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A Winter's Tale

Sharon Ammen is the head of the Theater Department at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where the current production is Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Describing the play, she says, "The Winter's Tale is a rich mix of comedy and tragedy. It has an almost fairy tale or fable quality. Our production will use that setting, and costumes inspired by tales from the Renaissance through the mid-eighteenth century."

Dances For Satyrs And Patter For Rascals

"The story explores the tragic consequences of a king's crazy jealousy. But along the way there are shepherdesses, satyrs, country rascals and a celebration of true love. We're delighted that once again faculty member and composer John McIntyre is working with us. There will be dances for the shepherds and satyrs, and a nifty patter song for the rascal."

At the center of The Winter's Tale is the tragic jealousy of King Leontes and the humorous roguery of the peddler Autolycus. Guest artist Brandon Wentz, a regular at Terre Haute's Crossroads Repertory Theatre, plays both roles.

Canny In One Role, Crazy In The Other

"I have to confess that although I enjoy playing both characters, I understand canny Autolycus better than I do the crazy King Leontes. Neither the king's long time friend nor the king's wife deserve his distrust. I guess that bad things, evil things, really can just happen. Shakespeare doesn't shy away from the possibility."

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