World Premiere Holiday performance of BEAST - Based on Beauty and the Beast

A new holiday World Premiere performance by the African-American Shakespeare Company of BEAST (adapted from the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast). This multi-cultural family production incoporates a moving garden. There are a few twists and turns in this version of the production that will give surprises and delights to young and old alike.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 17, 2004 -- The African-American Shakespeare Company (AASC), partnered with Zeum, presents the world premiere performance of BEAST opening December 17-January 2, 2005 at Zeum Theatre. In time for the holiday season, this classic tale from Beauty and the Beast shows that some things are not always as they seem. This holiday season rediscover the lesson its whats inside that counts." This performance will launch the African-American Shakespeare Companys 10th Year Anniversary Season.

BEAST reveals the story of a lonely young boy, who is over indulged with material possessions. In BEAST, the audience is introduced to the story by a modern day selfish young child who is displeased with his Christmas gifts and demands an X-Box instead of the hand-crafted socks given by Aunt Carol. The Father (played by Aaron Junior Turner) tells a tale to his child about a similar situation with Young Prince Jamal who was given everything his heart desires. Unfortunately, the young prince did not learn to appreciate the gifts and treasurers that was bestowed upon him. One night, a woman (played by Christine Odera) comes to the castle door for help. Young Prince Jamal disgraces her and turns her away from the castle. The woman turns out to be a sorceress who places a curse upon the Young Prince for his outward appearance to reflect what was in his heart -- a BEAST is formed.
    
The cast of characters includes the horrifying self-centered Beast, played by David W. Skillman; a vain and beautiful maiden, Belle, played by Tonya Powell; the self-interested and cowardly boyfriend, Beau, played by E. Alx" Alexander; and introducing Manyongo Gridland who play the Young Prince Jamal with Bora Lee, Paige Davis and Joshua Jerron as the modern day child Taylor.
    
As with many productions of the African-American Shakespeare Company, the tale is altered slightly to bring a richer depth to this traditional fairytale. For instance, we find out that the Woman/Sorceress turned away was in reality Belles mother. The story also reveals that the children at the Young Princes party were turned into the flowers and plants that surround the castle grounds creating an enchanted movable garden. As with many fairy tales, the beast transforms into a handsome prince; however, in this version the BEAST makes a conscious choice to remain a monster to save the life of the woman he loves.
    
Sherri Young states, I think this choice is more unique as current day society seems to be obsessed with making things look 'right. There is a common thought of images having to be perfect. In various reality shows we see this ideology of perfection coming to life. One must be wearing the 'right clothes, the 'right hairstyle and the 'right look. The message that we are left with is that there is no reason on earth for anyone to be 'ugly. We are valuing the outward appearance without questioning the heart and character of a person which should have a greater value than physical appearance."

About African-American Shakespeare Company:
Founded in 1993 by Sherri Young, the AASC produces European classical works with an African-American cultural perspective. Its mission is to provide opportunities and accessibility for minority artists and their community to view these works in a manner that is inclusive of their cultural heritage and identity. The African American-Shakespeare Company employs thirty actors and ten designers each year. The Company includes a full production season; an after school program; a school touring component; Reading Drama Workshop; and a Summer Youth Troupe. The AASC is the recipient of recognition from fellow artists and critics throughout the Bay Area.

About Zeum:
Opened in 1998 as a museum of creativity and an essential cultural asset for children, youth and families in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, Zeum is a place that sparks the imagination and nurtures creativity and self-expression. By providing diverse, hands-on, arts, media and technology experiences, Zeum allows visitors of all backgrounds and learning styles to explore, innovate and invent. An independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Zeum offers interactive programming and produces or hosts a wide range of performing arts events and special activities for young people and families. Zeum also offers a trip to the past with its 1906-vintage Charles Loof Carousel, beloved by generations of San Franciscans from its original location at the historic Playland-at-the-Beach. The cornerstone of an innovative project of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to develop an entire area as an urban destination for children, youth and families, Zeum is the jewel of Yerba Buena Gardens, hailed by Newsweek Magazine as the most concentrated arts district west of the Hudson."

Zeum at Yerba Buena Gardens (4th Street at Howard across from Metreon) - San Franciscos museum for creativity and self-expression featuring hands-on arts, media and technology experiences fueled by the imagination. General Admission Summer Hours (June 10 -- August 24): Tuesday through Sunday, 11am -- 5pm. Admission to Zeum is always free for the last 30 minutes of public hours. Admission $5 youth, $6 seniors/students, $7 adults; free for members and visitors age 3 and younger; (415) 777-2800; www.zeum.org.

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