The Women of Shakespeare

COCKTAIL RECEPTION, BENEFIT PERFORMANCE, AND AWARDS SHOW

The Powerful… The Brave… The Beautiful… The Betrayed… THE WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE

The Women Of Shakespeare, directed by Vernice Miller, is a benefit performance designed to showcase some of today’s finest classical talent. True to the mission of Take Wing And Soar Productions, this performance will feature The TWAS Classical Actors of Color. These classically trained ladies will portray Shakespeare’s famous women characters, including Lady Macbeth, Portia, Juliet, Paulina, Queen Margaret, Hermione, and Cleopatra.

This spring marks the inauguration of the TAKE WING AND SOAR AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSICAL TRADITION. These seven loving, giving and faithful women have generously supported TWAS Inc., and in their own personal and professional lives exemplify excellence. Each one is directly responsible for the successes that TWAS Inc has enjoyed. Their contributions have deeply enriched the lives of the community of artists we serve and have helped us to accomplish our mission and make our dreams a reality. They are: Veronica Claypool (Managing Director, Theatre development Fund) Hon. Theresa Freeman (NYC District Leader, Harlem) Martha Nicole Glenn (Special Assistant to The Founder) Jenny J. Sherman, Esq. (Attorney, Sullivan & Cromwell) Dr. Barbara Ann Teer (Founder & CEO, National Black Theatre) Adrienne D. Williams (Actress, Director, and Educator)

A special award will be bestowed on Ruby Dee, who will be honored with the first TAKE WING AND SOAR PIONEER AWARD. Mrs. Dee is a worthy recipient of this special merit award because her life’s work has been an inspiration to many young actress. We applaud her for her powerful, honest and highly skilled performances. We believe that she is indeed the embodiment of courage and self-determination, which the world witnessed when she became the first African-American actress to play major roles at the American Shakespeare Festival in 1965, and again when she and her beloved husband Ossie became civil right leaders. Mrs. Dee’s efforts blazed a trail for many classical actresses of color who would soon follow her, therefore TWAS Inc. holds her in high esteem.

ONE DAY ONLY! Wednesday, March 9, 2005 6pm RECEPTION 7pm PERFORMANCE and HONORS BESTOWED
National Black Theatre’s South Tower, 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way, Harlem, NY

Group Sales Number (5+): 917-788-5275

Appropriate For Ages: 9 and above