ARcare Arts Festival Featuring Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Sponsored by ARKANSAS FAMILY HEALTH FOUNDATION
Opportunities for culture, arts, drama, literacy, and music will be happening in special venues across the state!
Visiting Shakespeare scholar Dr. Peter J. Smith will begin this creative festival with a series of talks open to the public being hosted:
• April 12 in Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas, Room 209 Kimpel Hall, 4:00–5:00 PM
• April 13 in Wynne at the Cross County Library, 410 East Merriman, 4:00-5:00 PM
• April 18 in Conway
• April 19 in Augusta, ARcare Economic Center, 115 South Second, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Also on April 19 in Searcy at Harding University, Cone Chapel, 2:30 – 4:00 PM
• April 20 in Little Rock at the University of Little Rock
Receptions will be held in each town following the presentation to allow guests the opportunity to meet Dr. Smith as well as support the project needs.
Dr. Smith is a professor at Nottingham Trent University and a dramaturg (consultant to a theater company) employed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. His discussion is entitled “Something Rich and Strange: The Tempest and the Magic of Authority. The expertise and experiences in which Dr. Smith has been involved will be a once in a life time opportunity for those in attendance.
The crème de la crème! High School students from surrounding schools have been participating in a semester-long drama and literacy residency working in collaboration with ARcare, University of Arkansas’ Brown Chair in English Literacy and Trike Theatre, Northwest Arkansas’ professional theatre for youth. Creative writing, literacy examination, and fun combine to bring Shakespeare to life and to meet new and interesting friends. This experience will culminate with an original student performance showcased at the festival. Team Shakespeare, as they call themselves, will be the highlight of this cultural experience.
Also, during the annual Augusta Days 2011 during Memorial Weekend along the banks of the White River. The ARcare Arts Festival schedule for May 28, 2011 is:
• 3:00 – 3:45 PM- Community Choral and Solo Music Performances featuring residents from the area performing four original pieces composed by Dr. Bob Boury, University of Arkansas Little Rock and assisted by Sharon Oakes in Augusta
• 3:45 – 4:30 PM – Original student performance by TEAM SHAKESPEARE
• 4:45 – 6:45 PM – a professional production of The Tempest using professional and non-professional local actors
All of this will be performed on a grassy, shade tree lot at 400 South 2nd Street with the beautiful White River meandering lazily behind the stage. Bring a lawn chair, set up for a unique afternoon experience, and enjoy the talents of the students, residents, and guests of Arkansas. Food, entertainment, and facilities will be available just two blocks.
