January, 2016- Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival “Unmasks the Genius” of Edgar Allan Poe in Original Production of ‘EDGAR’ January 15 and 16
Presented by the City of Palm Beach Gardens and sponsored by the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc. the free outdoor production includes February encore at Eissey Campus Theatre
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (December 18, 2015) Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s greatest and most famous writers, was raised to be in the upper levels of society, yet lived a poor-man’s life. His fascination with the macabre gave the world timeless classical tales “The Raven,” “The House of Usher,” “The Telltale Heart” and more, but may have brought about his tragic downfall.
Poe is the subject of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s upcoming production of EDGAR on January 15 and 16 at the Veterans Plaza outdoor amphitheater from 7 pm to 9 pm in Palm Beach Gardens. Presented in cultural partnership with the City of Palm Beach Gardens, the free performances are sponsored by the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc.
Edgar Allan Poe, born January 19, 1809, was the first American writer of note to try and earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career. Today, Poe and his work appear throughout popular culture in literature, music, film and television. The Mystery Writers of America present an annual award, the Edgar, for distinguished work in the mystery genre. Poe himself died in 1948 in Baltimore; his cause of death unknown but variously believed to be as a result of alcohol, drugs and brain disease.
The original play EDGAR was conceived by Shakespeare Festival founder and director Kermit Christman and premiered at Palm Beach County’s Bookfest in 1994. It toured South Florida and productions were discussed for New York and the Young Vic Theatre in London.
“This play is influenced by the tradition of English theatre, like Shakespeare’s writing – an empty space, simple set pieces, four actors playing many parts with evocative lighting and sound design,” says Christman. “The action of the play takes place in the mind of the actor playing Poe. Hence, the setting itself becomes a dreamscape.”
The tale unfolds through Poe’s (played by Seth Trucks) encounters with the “Man” (Darryl Willis) who plays the many men who influenced Poe’s life, for better or worse, and the “Woman” (Natasha Sherritt) who embodies the various women who were so relevant to his genius. Also, his own personal hauntings take the form of the ghost of “Lenore” (Kelly Ainsworth) who was the subject of his poetic ideal of the perfect love.
“Like Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe has been part of the fabric of our education,” continues Christman. “We have all studied him in school and our production gives possible insight into the man behind the memorable words.”
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 26th Anniversary Season includes the encore, indoor performance of EDGAR at the Eissey Campus Theatre February 12 – 14 and the free, outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea summer performance of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW in July.
EDGAR runs January 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Plaza located at 10500 North Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens. Admission is free thanks to sponsorship from the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc. For more information, contact Jennifer Nelli, 561-630-1146 or visit www.pbgfl.com.
The encore production of EDGAR runs February 12 at 8 pm, February 13 at 2 pm and 8 pm, and February 14 at 2 pm at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are $20 for adults, free for students with ID and for children. Contact the Eissey Campus Box Office at 561-207-5900 for tickets or visit www.pbshakespare.org for more information.
ABOUT THE PALM BEACH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival is a 501(c)3 professional theatrical company, dedicated to bringing appreciation and understanding of live theatrical and Shakespearean works to all socioeconomic levels. The Festival has produced classic and contemporary shows to critical acclaim, for free or reduced admission, throughout Palm Beach County for 25 years. Please call 561-575-7336 or visit www.pbshakespeare.org for more information.