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The Duchess of Malfi – January 21-22, 2012 

 “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust,

Like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.”

Love and Goodness do a slow dance with Evil and Corruption, set to the music of Revenge. Follow as we descend into the maw of this dark, Jacobean tragedy, “The Duchess of Malfi.” John Webster’s masterpiece is rich in poetry and dramatic imagery, presenting a tapestry of conflict between appearance and reality. Featuring the Shakespeare Project’s dramaturge Michelle Shupe in the title role, the reading will be directed by founding member Stephen Spencer.

Performances:
Saturday, January 21 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, January 21 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Sunday, January 22 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois

An introduction to the play commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission is free, seating is limited.
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The Taming of the Shrew – February 25-26, 2012

"Of all things living, a man's the worst."

It's a Shakespearean battle of the sexes as The Shakespeare Project of Chicago presents The Bard's boisterous comedy, "The Taming of the Shrew."  Spawning countless derivative versions, from "Kiss Me Kate" to "Ten Things I Hate About You," two titanic wills collide as the chauvinistic Petruchio  tries to woo the headstrong Katherina.  Featuring a veteran cast of Shakespeare Project regulars, the play is directed by former Artistic Director Jeff Christian.

Performances:
Saturday, February 25 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, February 25 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Sunday, February 26 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois

An introduction to the play commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission is free, seating is limited.

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Troilus and Cressida – April 21-22, 2012

“Love, friendship, charity are subjects all/ To envious and calumniating time…”

Shakespeare explores the nature of honor and fidelity in this “problem play” inspired by tales in Homer’s Iliad.  Set during the final years of the Trojan War, it tells the tale of a young Trojan prince who falls in love with a defecting Trojan prophet’s daughter.  Meanwhile, the proud Greek warrior Achilles refuses a challenge to fight the honorable Trojan prince Hector.  But promises are broken and the hope of a people is destined to fall.  Who, if anybody, will be victorious in the end?  Associate Artistic Director Barbara Zahora directs.

Performances:
Saturday, April 21 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, April 21 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Sunday, April 22 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois

An introduction to the play commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission is free, seating is limited.