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William Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” an epic adventure that spans oceans and generations, is filled with princesses, pirates, assassins, exotic locales and multiple shipwrecks.

periclesWilliam Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” an epic adventure that spans oceans and generations, is filled with princesses, pirates, assassins, exotic locales and multiple shipwrecks.

PlayMakers Repertory Company at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill kicks off its 2008-09 mainstage season Sept. 24-Oct. 12 with the Bard’s exciting tale.

Producing Artistic Director Joseph Haj will direct the production, which will feature original music and songs by Jack Herrick of the Red Clay Ramblers. Herrick will perform his music live during the performances, along with an ensemble cast of 14 actors, singers and musicians.

He has created music for many theatre and film projects, including Sam Shepard’s “A Lie of the Mind” and Doug Marlette’s musical “Kudzu.” Herrick played a major role in winning a 1999 Special Tony Award for a Live Theatrical Presentation. The award went to “Fool Moon,” a Broadway hit with music by the Red Clay Ramblers, of which Herrick has been a member for more than 30 years.

“Pericles” performances will be in the Paul Green Theatre, inside the Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road. Show times will be 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY or visit www.playmakersrep.org.

Tickets are $10 to $40. Special events will include:

  • a free “Sneak Peek Director’s Talk” with Haj at noon Sept. 17, on the set in the Paul Green Theatre;
  • opening night festivities at 8 p.m. Sept. 27 (preview performances Sept. 24-26);
  • free post-show discussions on Oct. 1 and Oct. 5; and
  • an all-access performance for attendees with special needs, with sign language interpretation and audio description, on Oct. 7.

“Pericles” is “all about man’s place in an unpredictable universe, where terrible things happen, beautiful things happen, and how little control we have over either eventuality,” Haj said. “One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime, its themes of loss, redemption and reconciliation resonate as strongly now as they did then.”

Haj last directed PlayMakers’ hit 2007-08 season finale, “Amadeus.” He previously directed “The Illusion,” “Not About Heroes” and “Cyrano de Bergerac” at PlayMakers.

The production team for “Pericles” includes PlayMakers resident company members Jan Chambers (sets) and McKay Coble (costumes), with Justin Townsend (lighting.)

Based in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences, PlayMakers is the Carolinas’ premiere resident professional theatre company. The Drama League has called PlayMakers one of the “best regional theatre companies in America.”

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) selected PlayMakers’ production of “Pericles” for its “Shakespeare for a New Generation” program that introduces high school and middle school students to the masterpieces of Shakespeare through high-quality, professional theatre productions and educational activities. Support for “Pericles” also comes from Durham Catering Company and The Forest at Duke.

Coverage note: Media are welcome to cover the preview and talk by Haj at noon Sept.17. Photography, videography, lights and flashes are not restricted. For assistance, call (919) 428-1744.

PlayMakers contact: Connie Mahan, (919) 428-1744, cmahan@email.unc.edu
College of Arts and Sciences contact: Kim Spurr (919) 962-4093, spurrk@email.unc.edu

 

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