The Free Shakespeare Project presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM in July 25 through August 3 in Astoria, Queens.

Now in it's fourth year, The Free Shakespeare Project will present its energetic and rousing production of William Shakespeare's comedy, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, at Scorates Sculpture Park and The Yard at Trinity Lutheran Church in Astoria, Queens. This is free event is a perfect way to celebrate summer with friends and family, and picnic and first rate entertainment.

PRESS RELEASE
for immediate release 7/19/2002

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Performed by The Free Shakespeare Project Ensemble
Sponsored by Aisling Arts, A New York City arts initiative

ASTORIA, QUEENS

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK
Broadway at Vernon Boulevard
Saturday
July 27, 2002
6:30 PM
Sunday
July 28, 2002
2PM & 6:30 PM
Rain or Shine
N Train to Broadway

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
31-18 37th Street (at 31st Avenue)
Thursday & Friday
July 25 & 26, 2002
7PM
Saturday
July 27. 2002
2PM
Thursday through Saturday
August 1-3, 2002
7PM
Saturday
August 3, 2002
2PM
Rain or Shine
R or G Train to Steinway

Free with a suggested donation of $5, $10 per family. No reservations are necessary. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics to outdoor performances.

ABOUT A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM
Worlds collide when star-crossed lovers flee ancient Athens for a wooded forest to escape an ancient law that forbids their marriage. The lovers inadvertently wander into the realm of the fairies, where Oberon, the Fairy King, and Titania, the Fairy Queen are embroiled in a marital battle of their own over a small changeling boy. Enter a crew of rough mechanicals intent on rehearsing a play, and a sprite bent on mischief and nothing but mayhem ensues. Spells go awry, love gets crossed and things will only get more mixed up on this midsummer night before morning comes to put the world back in order.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Aisling Arts is a New York City based ensemble of performing and visual artists who believe that performing and visual art is not a luxury. Sharing a performance event is vital; it reminds us where we come from and who we hope to be. Every member of every community deserves to have access to meaningful performing arts experiences, regardless of one's financial situation, ethnic background or education.

For the past three years, Aisling Arts has been the proud sponsor of THE FREE SHAKESPEARE PROJECT. Drawing on the traditions of the theater of the Commedia dellArte that inspired Shakespeares comedies, the FREE SHAKESPEARE PROJECT productions are guaranteed to be highly physical, boisterous and fun. Weve left the doublet and hose at home. Audiences should be prepared for a thoroughly participatory theatrical event!

Thanks to funding from area Cultural Councils, all of these events are free of charge and are intended to provide a joyous cultural event for area communities.

Please do not hesitate to contact Bryn Manion or Wendy Remington, producers of THE FREE SHAKESPEARE PROJECT to schedule an interview with themselves or members of the ensemble. Please expect a full press packet with bio, photos, and more detailed information to follow this press release.

We look forward to working with area press to enhance attendance and awareness of this exciting theater event. Thank you.

Aisling Arts is a sponsored artist of The Field, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization serving the New York City art community.