During the winter quarter, Sinclair Community College will be welcoming the Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS) to perform William Shakespeare’s famous comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” in Blair Hall Theater. AFTLS last visited Sinclair in Fall 2006 where they performed Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
“It’s so exciting to have them back again; these are professional actors and it’s good for our students,” said Patti Celeck, Marketing Manager for Theater and Dance. “It’s a good experience just being with them.”
The John N. and Connie Taylor Endowment for Visiting Scholars is providing the funding that is allowing the AFTLS to visit Sinclair. While here, the actors will “provide 35 workshops across campus in literature, writing, music, theater, and communication classes,” according to Sinclair’s Web site. It will be a five-person performance starring Peter Bankolé, Thusitha Jayasundera, Stephen Rashbrook, Joannah Tincey, and Charlie Walker-Wise.
AFTLS “is one of the oldest established touring Shakespeare theater companies in the world,” according to its Web site. The tour is currently in its 33rd year and each year they “visit approximately 16 to 20 universities… giving students and faculty around the country a chance to experience [their] dynamic and enriching performing arts program.”
“Much Ado About Nothing” was published in 1600 and is a romantic comedy that deals with love, marriage, and deceit.