Shady Shakespeare Presents Hamlet" at Sanborn-Skyline Park: Audiences Set to Enjoy Free Performances of Shakespeares Masterpiece

A bay area cultural gem, Shady Shakespeare's yearly summer free performances of the works of the Bard, begins this coming Friday, Aug. 20.

SAN JOSE, CA (PRWEB) August 11, 2004 -- Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company will present William Shakespeares tragic masterpiece Hamlet," directed by Dinna Myers, at the Outdoor Stage of Sanborn-Skyline County Park located at 16055 Sanborn Road (off Highway 9) in Saratoga, Calif. All performances are free to the public and no tickets are required. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. from Aug. 20, 2004 through Sept. 12, 2004.

Hamlet" is considered by many to be the greatest work of theatre in the English language. It is a timeless tale of life and death, murder and revenge, friendship and betrayal, stoicism and madness. The play is the story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and the actions he must take after learning from his fathers ghost that his uncle murdered his father in order to claim the throne-and marry his mother, the queen. Hamlet is the very symbol of a renaissance man -- a student, a philosopher, and artist -- living in a medieval world still bent on greed, lust and brutality. At the center of the play is the question of which will prevail -- reason and character, or the raw emotion and primal instinct forever intrinsic in human nature?

In Hamlet, Shakespeare sought to explore the question which has tortured philosophers for centuries - 'What does it mean to be human," said Dinna Myers, Shady Shakespeares managing director and company co-founder. Hamlet questions the value of human life, religion, love, sex, family and friendship. He grapples with the power of human emotion, fear, loathing, courage, humor, heartbreak, and desire. He tries to walk the fine line between choice and abandon -- method and madness. And in the end, whatever one may think of Shakespeares philosophy of life, there is nothing like a good old fashioned swordfight!"

This is Shady Shakespeares sixth season and the company proudly returns to Sanborn-Skyline County Park after receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences regarding the beauty of the space and how well it suits Shady Shakespeare's performances. Prior Shady Shakespeare endeavors include productions of A Midsummer Nights Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Twelfth Night. Shady Shakespeare is committed to providing performances free of charge to the public. It is the goal of Shady Shakespeare that everyone has the opportunity to come together as a community, regardless of financial or social limitations, to sit with their neighbors under the stars, enjoying an evening of good theatre.

Those interested in attending any of the free performances should note that public parking is available at Sanborn-Skyline Park for a fee of $5.00 per vehicle. Some seating will be provided, but audience members are invited to bring blankets or low back chairs to the performances as alternative seating options. Audience members should dress in layers, as it gets cool in the evening. Families and picnics are welcome. Wine, assorted beverages and snacks will all be available at the concessions stand. For more information on the production of Hamlet" contact Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company at 408-298-0649 or visit http://www.shadyshakes.org.

About Shady Shakespeare
Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company (SSTC) is the only resident outdoor theatre company dedicated to providing free public performances of William Shakespeares works to Peninsula and South Bay communities. SSTC believes in the power of Shakespeares works to speak to modern audiences, and that his works provide as much enjoyable, moving, and accessible entertainment today as they did in the Bards day. Headquartered in San Jose, CA, SSTC is affiliated with Theatre Bay Area, the Nomadic Theatre & Dance Company Task Force, and with the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition. SSTC is supported in part by Arts Council Silicon Valley, Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts, and the Saratoga Rotary Club.

PHOTO EDITORS: Images are available in B/W or color, digital or print formats. Please contact Paul Hightower at 408-347-1130 or paul@shadyshakes.org for show photos.

Media Contacts:
Paul Hightower (Primary Contact)
Shady Shakespeare
Tel: 408.347.1130
paul@shadyshakes.org

Laura Lazzarini(Secondary Contact)
Bohemian Works for Shady Shakespeare
Tel: 408.269.3541
e-mail: lauralazzarini@yahoo.com