Seattle Shakespeare Company announces its Wooden O free, outdoor summer plays - The Taming of the Shrew and Richard III - which will run July 9 through August 2. Both plays will perform in park venues throughout King County. All performances are free and open to the public. Donations are heartily encouraged.

"After having played the part of Kate twice, The Taming of the Shrew holds a special place in my heart," said George Mount, director of outdoor and touring performances. "It's big, broad, funny, and goofy, but then the real gender issues sneak up on you. Richard III is such a glorious examination of political evil and its ramifications; it'll be a thrill to bring its epic sweep to the outdoor stage." Last summer, more than 10,000 patrons from across the region enjoyed the Wooden O performances.

2009 Outdoor Season

Directed by Aimee Bruneau
With a sharp tongue and a volcanic temper, the headstrong Kate bows down to no man. But then a fortune-hunting suitor named Petruchio swaggers into town with a mischievous plan to reach her guarded heart. Through bickering and brawling their comic courtship is a no-holds-barred battle of the sexes that results in a love and understanding that neither one imagined.

Richard III
Directed by Stephanie Shine
Imagine a man so vile in his thoughts and actions that everything withers around him. Then imagine that man as your ruler. While the women of the court valiantly struggle to depose him, the toxic Richard III reduces his once prosperous country to ashes. Just as utter collapse seems inevitable; a bright, young leader named Richmond challenges the old order of misrule by bringing hope to the land.

Seattle Shakespeare Company's 2009 Wooden O outdoor season is presented with support of the City of Bonney Lake, City of Federal Way, City of Lake Forest Park Parks Commission, City of Lynnwood, City of Mercer Island/Mercer Island Arts Council, City of Sammamish, City of SeaTac, Edmond Arts Commission, Issaquah Arts Commission, Redmond Arts in the Parks, Seattle Center, Seattle Outdoor Theatre Festival, and Shoreline-LFP Arts Council. Seattle Shakespeare Company's Wooden O productions are made possible with support from 4Culture, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, ArtsFund, Greater Everett Community Foundation, The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Mercer Island Community Fund, The Norcliffe Foundation and the Washington State Arts Commission.

In spring of 2008, Wooden O merged with Seattle Shakespeare Company to become the premiere Shakespeare theatre in the state of Washington. The company's growing success stems from a deep belief in the power and vibrancy of Shakespeare's words and ideas along with a commitment to artistic excellence on the stage. The results have been provocative performances that both challenge and delight audiences while fostering an appreciation for the greatest playwright the world has ever known.

For complete schedule information visit www.seattleshakespeare.org and select Wooden O from the menu at the top of the homepage.

Courtesy of Seattle Shakespeare Company

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