THEATRE

Actors From the London Stage (AFTLS) is a well-established educational and theatrical program that brings a troupe of five classically trained actors from major English theaters to American college campuses for week-long residencies. Minimalist in terms of staging, and with five actors playing all the roles, AFTLS performances are always intimate and compelling, even magical, for audiences of all ages. Since 1975 the program has had approximately 350 residencies on 150 campuses, including UT every fall since 1999. In 2006, the AFTLS production of Hamlet won the Austin Critics’ Circle Award for Best Touring Performance; the 2009 play is King Lear.

During their week on campus, the London actors will also teach approximately 30 classes and workshops on campus and in several area schools. In class, they explore the relationship of page and stage, language and meaning: “rehearsing” students in scenes from Shakespeare and other playwrights, helping them to examine the many ways scenes can be understood and performed. Many of the SOS students will be assisting them and learning from them first hand.

The Fall 2009 AFTLS residency will occur 28 Sept.–3 Oct. Performances of King Lear will be held at the B. Iden Payne Theatre, Winship Building, UT, Wed. 30 Sept.–Fri. 2 Oct., and at the Winedale Theatre Barn, Round Top, Sat. 3 Oct.

Ticket information:

(1) UT: 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386, the Performing Arts Center website, or at the Frank Erwin Center Box Office (M-F, 10am-6pm) and the Bass Concert Hall Ticket Office (M-F, 11am-2pm inside lobby and 2-6pm outside ticket window).