One new scheduling note for those thinking of attending: the performance itself will start @ 2; beforehand and afterwards, you'll have a chance to mingle with the director and actors. We should have said that to begin with, so please don't feel like you have to commit to coming for the whole three hours. If you just want to duck in, catch the show, have a mimosa and some cake (I think I'm going to try making that amazingly delectable lemon mascarpone), and/or a cucumber sandwich and some tea, and/or a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, that'd be just fine.
I'm delighted to invite you to an intimate fundraiser for Angeli Primlani's new venture, the Accidental Shakespeare Company. We'll be hosting a high tea at my home in Oak Park, featuring sandwiches, sweets, tea and mimosas, and starring a brief and funny performance of a scene from Shakespeare:
The Lamentable Tragedy and Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisby
...also known as
The Rude Mechanical's Play from A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare
There will be raffles and silent auction prizes. To say nothing of the chance to support Chicago's newest independent classical theater company! (This is a child friendly event.)
Saturday, May 19, 1-4 pm
$20 adults; $10 children / seniors
in Oak Park, Illinois
Tickets will be limited to 40 seats, and will be $20 for adults; $10 for children / seniors.
Buy tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/249048
A brief note from the director:
"My name is Angeli Primlani, and I am the Artistic Director of the Accidental Shakespeare Company. Some of you may know me from my work with Rasaka Theater Company or readings at the Kriti Festival, or you may have heard me on National Public Radio. I've been a writer, producer and performer for over 20 years.
I formed this company with a wonderful group of actors and designers with a passion for the classics. We have a strong desire to make them as intimate and accessible as they were in Shakespeare's time.
We perform in unusual and creative spaces. Our first three fundraiser shows were put up in a restaurant, where the actors performed in and around the audience. We believe in creating a connection between the actors and the audience. Remember, Shakespeare's plays were performed in taverns and innyards. So often the classical theater is approached with an excess of reverence, as if they were saintly relics. That's not why they were written. They were intended to be popular culture, not improving texts that we try to like because we've been told they are good for us.
In this economy, few can afford $85 a ticket at Chicago Shakespeare, or even $25 a ticket at many smaller Chicago theaters. That is why we are determined to raise our entire budget for The Tempest before we premiere in September 2012. We want to be able to keep our shows as inexpensive as possible."