The Harrison County Public Library will bring the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR to Corydon at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site gazebo. Martin French and James Thompson will direct the free outdoor performance of The Tempest on Corydon’s beautiful town square. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for this family-friendly evening. In case of inclement weather, the play will move to Hayswood Theatre.
The Tempest involves a powerful sorcerer, Prospero (the former Duke of Milan) and his daughter, who live on a deserted island after being banished by the King of Naples, Alonso, and Prospero’s brother Antonio, the Duke of Milan. Prospero wields a storm to shipwreck his enemies, including the king’s son. The survivors are scattered across the island and the plotting begins. This Shakespeare comedy includes revenge, scheming, romance, forgiveness and redemption.
The Arts Alliance 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR will also feature presentations at Jeffersonville, New Albany and Charlestown.
Two Corydon-based actors, Jason Jones and Hayley Ginger, are a part of The Tempest troupe. Heather Rapp, who has family ties to Elizabeth, Indiana, designed the promotional artwork. Co-director Martin French, who is originally from Ireland and now lives in Southern Indiana, has worked internationally and locally for years. French co-directed last year’s SoIN To Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and recently directed Hayswood Theatre’s The Crucible. During Banned Books Week last October, French gave a book talk at HCPL on The Crucible and censorship. On April 23, he will host a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at HCPL with an overview of Shakespeare and The Tempest. French will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at The Tempest at Harrison County Arts on April 25.
Celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday at Harrison County Public Library – 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 – Corydon branch, 105 N. Capitol Avenue. Co-director Martin French will give a broad overview of who William Shakespeare was and how he became the unofficial first playwright of the United States. French will then talk about The Tempest. Birthday cake will be offered during this 90-minute program.
Insight to the Process: Shakespeare – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 – Harrison County Arts, 113 E. Beaver Street, Corydon. Shakespeare enthusiasts and those interested in a behind-the-scenes look get an up-close experience with the cast presenting the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour. A public rehearsal (preview) of parts of The Tempest will feature actors from the play along with an opportunity to see the development of a scene between the actors and co-director Martin French. In addition, the actors expect to rehearse a complete scene followed by a Q&A session. This 90-minute program presents an opportunity to see the backside of play development. Contact Harrison County Arts for specific details about this program at 812-738-2123.
For information, contact the library at 812-738-4110 or visit the website for a calendar of events @ www.hcpl.lib.in.us
Thank you to our community partners for this event:
Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana – sponsor of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site – venue
Hayswood Theatre – rain location
Harrison County Visitor Center – restrooms
Harrison County Arts – host of rehearsal program
Main Street Corydon – fliers in wine walk bags
Downtown merchants – displaying posters and fliers
