Shakespeare in LA

Independent Shakespeare Co., presenters of the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival and recipients of the 2015 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in theater, will produce a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Pericles, Prince of Tyre, April 24 – May 2. Directed by ISC Artistic Director Melissa Chalsma, the fantastic story includes shipwrecks, pirates, a king who uses the skulls of his victims as interior design, an abandoned baby, and a knight in rusted armor fighting for love. At every turn, Pericles confronts events both grotesque and miraculous as his long and brilliant history unfolds. It is one of Shakespeare’s strangest plays and includes adult themes and situations.

Comments Melissa Chalsma, “This curious collaboration between Shakespeare and George Wilkins (an aspiring writer and brothel keeper) was born of mutual opportunism: Shakespeare was grappling with the new popular demands for ‘city comedies’ full of topical issues and scenes depicting frank portrayals of sexual situations, and Wilkins wanted literary respect. The result is a play of extremes that is among the most fantastical Shakespeare ever created. It’s both tragic and silly and spans both decades and the globe (not to mention that it includes not one, but three shipwrecks. And pirates.) The challenge of creating this piece in our 49-seat Studio is thrilling! We’re rethinking how we use the space, extending the performance area into the audience, and re-evaluating what it means to come to the theater.”

The cast includes ISC favorite André Martin as Pericles, with Melissa Chalsma, Cristina Frias, Daniel Jimenez, Nikhil Pai, Evan Lewis Smith and Kalean Ung. Lighting Design is by Bosco Flanagan. Costume Design is by Houri Mahserejian. The Stage Manager is Kendra Arado.

PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE
April 24 – May 24, 2015 (opening night 5/2)
Independent Shakespeare Co. in the Independent Studio
Atwater Crossing Arts + Innovation Complex
3191 Casitas Ave., #168 (between Fletcher Drive and Glendale Blvd.)
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Free, ample lot and street parking
Tickets: (818) 710-6306 or www.iscla.org