Much Ado About Nothing
by Actors From The London Stage

Oct. 22 - Oct. 25, 2014

Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing is one of his most popular romantic comedies. Audiences will delight at the merry war twixt Benedick, a solider recently returned home, and Beatrice, the wittiest woman in Messina. When their friends conspire to bring the two of them together, hijinks and hilarity ensue, when those that swear they could never be in love do just that.

Housed at the University of Notre Dame, Actors From The London Stage is an educational program, which brings 5 classically trained actors from major English theaters to college campuses around the United States. As part of their residency with UT, they will teach approximately 30 classes and workshops and perform Much Ado About Nothing four times using only 5 actors and minimal props and costumes.  The AFTLS performance style emphasizes language, characterization, and the dramatic force of Shakespeare’s works through compelling and minimalist staging. The AFTLS residency at the University of Texas is sponsored by the Department of English and supported by the Department of Theatre and Dance, the President’s Office, the Graduate School’s Academic Enrichment Fund, the Center for European Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts.

In addition to the performances, there will be two unique pre-residency events.

The first will be our annual Shakespeare and the Law panel that explores the intersection of Shakespeare’s plays and their legal issues on Thursday, October 16th. At 6:30pm, there will be a catered reception followed by the panel, "One that knows the law, go to" - Law and Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and the Spirit Of Shakespeare Players performing scenes from Much Ado. We thrilled to introduce three new panelists this year: William Forbath, from UT Law School; David Kornhaber, new AFTLS @ UT Coordinator; and visiting from Vanderbilt University Professor Leah Marcus. This special event is free to the public and will take place in the Eidman Courtroom, located inside UT Law School, on UT campus.

On Friday, October 17th, Leah Marcus, Edwin Mims Professor of English, Vanderbilt University will give a lecture titled"Ideologies of Female Conduct in Global Perspective: Much Ado about Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew" in the Tom Lea Room at the Harry Ransom Center 3pm. This lecture is part of the British Studies lecture series.

During the residency week, there will be a special performance of ‘Raging about Achilles’ by AFTLS company member Paul O'Mahony (who plays the role of Benedick) as part of the UT series, “Poetry on the Plaza” on Wednesday, October 22nd at 12 noon. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan Wars, The Iliad is the first and one of the greatest works of western literature. In readings of different translations, performance and discussion, ‘Raging about Achilles’ aims to bring fresh perspective to the classical text and explore its enduring influence.

Much Ado About Nothing
by William Shakespeare
Actors From The London Stage

October 22 - October 25, 2014
B. Iden Payne Theatre
300 East 23rd Street
Austin, TX, 78712

Wednesday – Friday, Oct. 22nd – 24th performances @ B. Iden Payne Theatre, UT Campus, Austin, TX
Saturday, Oct. 25th performance @ Winedale Theatre Barn, near Round Top, TX

TICKETS: General Admission - $20; UT Faculty/UT Staff/Students - $10