Local News: Classical Theatre Company Presents The Second Shepherd's Play

Posted by: delasmetakon 2008/12/6 6:50:00 3367 reads Classical Theatre Company Presents Medieval Comedy for the Holiday Season
Second CTC Reading at Brazos Bookstore offers something fun for the whole family

The Classical Theatre Company (CTC) continues its unique reading series with a staged reading of "The Second Shepherd’s Play" from the Wakefield Cycle. Directed by CTC’s Associate Artistic Director Julia Traber, the performance will be presented on Monday, December 15 at 7:30pm at the Brazos Bookstore...

A wine reception and holiday shopping open house will precede the reading at 6:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.

A medieval mystery play, "The Second Shepherd’s Play" is a combination of two stories: the first is a secular tale involving a sheep thief, Mak, who steals from three shepherds; the second follows the same shepherds through the well-known nativity story.

“The first [half of] the play is a light comedic piece,” comments Traber. “It is a boisterous take on real life gripes – work, marriage, the weather.”

We see the shepherds as ordinary men with ordinary, albeit humorous, concerns. When they discover the theft of their lamb, they hurry off to punish Mak but are suddenly interrupted by the appearance of an angel announcing the birth of Christ. This turning point marks the beginning of the nativity story, and leads the shepherds on the journey to find Mary and the Christ child.

This is the second collaboration between CTC and Brazos. CTC previously presented a reading of Love's Last Shift last Valentine’s Day. Nationally renowned for its author events and locally cherished for its careful, intelligent book selection, Brazos now offers online ordering, as well as a new Brazos Kids' Room for all ages.

Located near Rice University, the store maintains an extensive inventory of literary fiction, non-fiction, biography, history, poetry, literary criticism, philosophy, travel, and one of the finest selections of architecture and art books in the region.

The Classical Theatre Company is dedicated to being the preeminent producer of classical theatre in the nation, presenting the classical canon on the stage, in the community, and in the classroom in an engaging, visceral, and visually spectacular way. CTC is the only theatre in the Houston area that offers a reading series, a unique opportunity to present lesser-known works in a non-theatrical setting.

Founded by Houston actor and artistic director John Johnston, the CTC “looks to indelibly change the Houston arts community, and strives to be a cultural force in the region for years to come.”

The theatre’s business plan includes a new theatre facility in the downtown Houston area, a resident acting company, and extensive education and community outreach programs.

Date and Times:
Monday, December 15, 2008
7:30pm (Wine reception and holiday shopping open house begins at 6:30pm)

Tickets: The event is FREE and open to the public ($5 Suggested Donation)

Location: Brazos Bookstore
2421 Bissonnet / Houston, TX 77005

For more information, visit us online:Classical Theatre Company

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