Lecture to Uncover the Creativity Behind Producing a Shakespeare Play

Two Westmont theater arts professors will offer their creative insight and discuss the artistic choices involved in staging a Shakespearean play. John Blondell and Mitchell Thomas will host the opening 2005-2006 Westmont Downtown Conversation, Thursday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. The lecture is entitled: “Sad Stories of the Death of Kings: Approaches to Staging Shakespeare’s ‘King Richard II.’”

The Lit Moon Theatre Company and Westmont College Repertory Theater will co-produce “Richard II” Nov. 4-13 at Santa Barbara’s Trinity Episcopal Church. Blondell will direct the play which features Thomas as Richard II. It is the first in a yearlong season of events that centers on contemporary, international approaches to Shakespeare’s plays. This “Year in the Life” series features productions, lectures, film screenings and workshops. It will culminate with a 2006 Lit Moon World Theater Festival entirely devoted to international Shakespeare. The festival will be staged at a variety of Santa Barbara venues including the Lobero, Center Stage and Victoria Hall Theatres, as well as the Ellen Porter Theatre at Westmont.

The lecture is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary. The Westmont Foundation sponsors the Downtown Conversations.

For more information, contact the Westmont public affairs office at (805)565- 7057 or e-mail pubaffairs@westmont.edu.