Shakespeare Theatre Company ReDiscovery Reading Series opens with William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair adapted by and starring Kate Hamill

Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) is delighted to announce its 2017–2018 ReDiscovery Free Reading Series with open with William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair. Directed by STC Artistic Associate Director, Craig Baldwin, the play is adapted by and stars Kate Hamill, the modern master behind the 2016 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility at Folger Theatre. The reading will take place on Monday, October 23 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street, NW).

Following the reading there will be a post-show panel discussion with Kate Hamill, Victorian Literature Scholar and Contributor at Jezebel Rachel Vorona Cote, and STC Literary Manager Drew Lichtenberg.

The 2017 world premiere of Hamill’s adaptation of Vanity Fair was deemed “an impressive feat of storytelling” by the New Yorker, with anti-hero Becky Sharp coyly lauded by the New York Times as “a nasty woman.” Using romantic entanglements and risky business deals as the rungs, Becky climbs from penniless beginnings to the upper crust of Victorian society.

Now in its 25th season, the ReDiscovery Series aims to introduce audiences to new adaptations of great but lesser-known classic plays under consideration for STC’s mainstage seasons, and the readings are often the first step in bringing a new adaptation or an under-produced classic back into the spotlight.

Craig Baldwin said: “Written by notable playwrights and performed by some of D.C.’s most talented actors, the ReDiscovery series is a fantastic opportunity for audiences to find a new favorite play or get a glimpse of the next big thing.”

Audiences wishing to keep pace with Becky Sharp as she climbs the social ladder should reserve their free ticket at: http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/support/special-events/rediscovery-readings/ or call the box office on: 202.547.1122

 

Reading Series 2017-2018:

November 13 2017: Edith Wharton’s The Shadow of a Doubt

Monday, December 4 2017: Title TBA

Monday, January 8 2018: Title TBA 

Monday, March 5 2018: Title TBA 

Monday, May 14 2018: Title TBA 

For more information about the series, please visit: ShakespeareTheatre.org/ReDiscovery