Delaware Shakespeare Festival July 27, 2007

Delaware Shakespeare Festival is to enlighten, educate, and entertain through the experience of live theatre by producing classic plays in an engaging, energetic, and innovative manner. The 2007 Festival will include 12 nights of theatre held on the lush grounds of historic Rockwood Mansion Park in front of the Shipley Mansion. Further elements of the 2007 Festival include:

Main-Stage Production: Richard III -
Breaking new ground, the Delaware Shakespeare Festival brings the first of Shakespeare's great dramas to the stage this summer. It’s the end of the bloody War of the Roses, and Richard sees his opportunity. Through scheming, plotting, backstabbing and murder, the famous hunchback villain obtains the throne of England. But with so many enemies, how can the ruthless King keep the crown from slipping thorough his blood-soaked fingers?

The Comedic Pre-Show: The War of the Roses –
Twenty minutes prior to show-time, the Pre-show entertainment provides the audience an opportunity to enjoy getting some context to the upcoming evening's performance. These motley players get the audience laughing as they catch them up to speed with back-story. This helps the audience better understand the upcoming play.

Show Orientation –
Hosted by scholarly experts and artists one hour prior to show-time, the show orientation enhances the enjoyment of the play by giving a short historical description and an orientation of the play’s plot. The audience is invited to ask questions about the play and the Festival.

Picnic in the Park –
The Rockwood Mansion Museum grounds are ideal for picnicking with family and friends as the audience anticipates an evening of theatre. Audience members bring blankets and low-backed chairs for general admission lawn seating and dine while the company sets up and the Festival begins

Live Music –
Professional musicians/minstrels play their merry tunes as they make the grounds festive prior to DSF’s main-stage production. This provides and excellent backdrop that weaves in and out of the following activities

Family Nights -
DSF is able to provide a place for the entire family to sit and enjoy live theatre, babies to grandparents are welcome. These families are able to enjoy their evening without the stress of worrying if the artists are bothered with their children making noises at a very minimal cost. We are able to engage them in these 500 year old works by showing how accessible the Bard can be when his plays are performed, rather than read.

Pack a picnic, bring your family and friend and come experience the outdoor professional theatre that the News Journal has called, “Winning theatre with a generous sense of humor.”

Please visit www.delshakes.org for more information.

Official Website: http://www.delshakes.org