Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Bard in the Quad returns for its sixth season at Oregon State University, with Shakespeare's beloved comedy, "As You Like It." Performances run Aug. 3-7 and 10-14 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union quad.

After her father has been banished from his dukedom by his usurping brother in this Shakespearean classic, spunky heroine Rosalind retreats to the forest of Arden with her cousin, Celia and court jester, Touchstone. Disguised as boys to protect their honor, the women encounter a cast of memorable characters.

The OSU production, set in the late 1960s and directed and choreographed by Seattle-based Sheila Daniels, emphasizes the contrast between stuffy, structured court-life and the freedom found in the escape to Arden.

"The forest will be an explosion of love, philosophy, and the wonderful music of the period," Daniels said. She found inspiration in this wild period of social and political change because "the times contained such a surge of energy, passion (political and personal), change and hope: I felt it would translate beautifully to outdoor theater."

This outdoor production will feature the classic music of the 1960s combined with the poetry and artistry of Shakespeare to create a memorable trip to the forest of Arden, where in spite of comic twists and turns, love conquers all.

The large cast features OSU students Alexandra Schireman (Rosalind), Jamie Bilderback (Celia), Andrew Atkinson (Orlando), Tom Sabatino (Oliver), Ian Burns (Touchstone), Matt O'Brien (Le Beau), Jackson Lyle (Silvius), and Tucker Minnick (William).

Corvallis community members also appear including Amy Edwards (Phoebe), Alex Jones (Adam), Charlotte Headrick (Duke Senior), Noah Shoenfeld (Amiens), Bill McCarthy (Corin), Rick Wallace (Duke Frederick), and Ariel Ginsburg (Jacques).

A box office facility located in the center of the Memorial Union Quad opens each performance evening at 6:45. This is an outdoor performance and no seating is provided. Guests are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs and warm clothing. No late seating or late admission. Seating begins at 6:45 pm.

Ticket prices are $14 for general, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for OSU students. They are available for online purchases at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre/ or by calling 541-737-2784.