The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Shakespeare's rarely seen Coriolanus as part of its play reading series

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will launch its 2013 Lend Us Your Ears reading series with William Shakespeare's play about the nature of politics and politicians, Coriolanus.  The reading, which features a prestigious cast of Shakespeare Theatre company members and guest artists, will take place on Monday, July 15th at 7 p.m. at the Shakespeare Theatre's Main Stage, the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road) in Madison.   For tickets or more information, call the box office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.   


This script-in-hand reading will be followed by a talk-back session with the director, cast, and audience that will provide valuable feedback on the play and its potential for future production.  


In Coriolanus, one of Shakespeare's most astute and complex political plays, the Bard examines the mentality of the masses, the political "animal," and the torment of a noble soldier turned reluctant politician whose unyielding hubris brings about his tragic downfall. 


<b>Tickets</b>
Tickets for the reading of Coriolanus are $15 for adults; student tickets are $10 each.  For tickets, call the box office at 973-408-5600, visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org or email boxoffice@shakespearenj.org.


The Lend Us Your Ears play reading series includes two additional offerings.   A reading of The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux will be held on August 19th at 7:00 p.m. Giraudoux's eerily prescient, eccentric post-war comedy pits the common people of Paris against a conglomerate of financiers determined to destroy the City of Lights in order to profit from the reputed oil fields lying beneath its streets. 


The Tragedy of Mister Morn by Vladimir Nabokov will be next.  This recently discovered and translated play by the Russian master provides a very special theatrical and literary gift for audiences -- it will be the first time the play will be heard in America.   The reading of The Tragedy of Mister Morn will be September 30th at 7 p.m.


The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Main Stage, the 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10. Parking is free.


The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is barrier free with access into the Theatre via a ramp and elevator access to all floors.   Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available.  Braille and large print programs are available.   Infrared listening devices are available free of charge.  Some performances are audio described.  Contact the Theatre for more information.   For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.


The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.