Shakespeare & Company Presents Sotto Voce By Nilo Cruz

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Shakespeare & Company Presents Sotto Voce By Nilo Cruz

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Performances Run August 18 through September 11, 2016

“Exquisite…dreamlike…the poetry of Cruz’s writing is what those who love his work cite most often about his style, and Sotto Voce has that.” – Miami Herald

(Lenox, MA) – Shakespeare & Company opens its final summer show of the 39th Performance Season with Sotto Voce, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Nilo Cruz, and directed by Daniel Gidron. This powerful, timely piece runs at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre August 18 through September 11.

In 1939 the MS St. Louis set out in search of homes for the hundreds of Jewish refugees aboard, only to be turned away by Cuba and the United States. Decades later, a young Cuban-Jewish man named Saquiel seeks out Bemadette Kahn, a famous, reclusive writer who was separated from her Jewish lover when he boarded the MS St. Louis all those years ago. The result is three seemingly disconnected souls brought together in a fantastical relationship fueled by the power of memories.

“The tragedy of the rejection of refugees fleeing persecution and extermination has echoes and reverberations with today’s plight of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa,” says Director Gidron. “When borders close, when presidential candidates vie with one another about building walls along borders, deporting millions of immigrants, and keeping Muslims out of the country, we realize that unfortunately history can repeat itself. Sotto Voce is a testament to the positive human ability to endure pain and joy. To connect even when separated physically, to love regardless of age and cultural differences.”

Gidron’s production of Sotto Voce features acclaimed Company member Annette Miller, along with newcomers Jaime Carrillo and Evelyn Howe making their Shakespeare & Company debuts. The creative team includes Deborah A. Brothers (Costume Design), John McDermott (Set Design), Robyn Warfield (Lighting Design), Brad Berridge (Sound Design), and Fran Rubenstein (Stage Manager).

“I believe art has the potential to help us transform the world,” says Miller. “Art creates space for empathy and understanding.The characters speak softly in Sotto Voce but the message of the play is loud and clear. History repeats itself. In 2016 we are on the verge of repeating the ‘darkest chapter in American history,’ turning away refugees and threatening to deport 12 million immigrants.”

Tickets for Sotto Voce are available online at www.shakespeare.org, or by calling Shakespeare & Company at (413) 637-3353 during box office hours. The Bernstein Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible, including added enhancements this year. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts.

AT A GLANCE
Production: Sotto Voce
Playwright: Nilo Cruz
Director: Daniel Gidron
Sound Design: Brad Berridge
Lighting Design: Robyn Warfield
Costume Design: Deborah A. Brothers
Set Design: John McDermott
Stage Manager: Fran Rubenstein

Cast:
Saquiel: Jaime Carrillo
Lucilla: Evelyn Howe
Bemadette Kahn: Annette Miller

SCHEDULE:
August:
18 – 8:30 PM – Preview
20 – 8:30 PM – Preview
21 – 3:00 PM – Preview
23 – 8:30 PM – Preview
25 – 8:30 PM – Preview
26 – 8:30 PM – Opening
27 – 3:00 PM
30 – 8:30 PM
31 – 8:30 PM

September:
1 – 3:00 PM
2 – 3:00 PM
3 – 8:30 PM
4 – 3:00 PM
9 – 8:30 PM
10 – 8:30 PM
11 – 3:00 PM – Closing

About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts tens of thousands of patrons annually. The Company is also home to a renowned Center for Actor Training, as well as an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.

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