Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University Theatre will perform the West Coast premiere of Leroy Clark’s “Shakespeare’s Journey” May 7-9 and May 14-16 on campus.

The performances, which begin at 7:30 p.m., will be on the main stage theater in Withycombe Hall, 2901 S.W. Campus Way, Corvallis. Tickets, priced at $12 general, $9 for seniors, $7 for students/youth, and $5 for OSU students, are available by calling 541-737-2853 or starting May 4 online at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre/

“Shakespeare’s Journey” is an imaginative look at what William Shakespeare’s life might have been like. Torn between the exciting life with a theater company in London and domestic life with his wife, Anne, and their three children in Stratford, Shakespeare is presented as a contemporary figure. This play explores Shakespeare’s life between London and Stratford, and in the process humanizes the icon.

The cast includes Bryan Bernart as Shakespeare, Maarika Teose as Anne Shakespeare, John and Judy Ringle as John and Mary Shakespeare, and Rowan Russell as Gilbert Shakespeare.

Period Elizabethan music will be featured in the production, particularly madrigals under the direction of Brice Cloyd. The fight choreography has been created by Alan Bird, costumes are by Elizabeth Helman and the scenery and lighting is by George Caldwell. Charlotte Headrick is the director of the production. Josie Griffin-Roosth is the assistant director and Lauren Wandryk is the stage manager.

Playwright Clark will be on the OSU campus during the second week of the production, speaking to classes and attending the May 14-16 performances. Clark has directed more than 100 productions and has written more than 25 plays. His numerous awards include the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Award, the Salt and Pepper Mime Company National Award, the Jack Morrison Playwriting Fellowship, a Kennedy Center Fellowship, Kansas Arts Commission Playwriting Award, and a citation from the Alaskan legislature for his contributions in directing and playwriting.

Clark has published two books on playwriting: “Writing for the Stage” and “Practical Playwriting.” His plays include “Minnow,” “Wine of This Year's Vintage,” “A Memory in Black and White,” “Speak Soft Words” and “Shootout at Keystone Canyon.”