May 21, 2002 - Hadley, MA - Two of Shakespeare's arguably most interesting and relevant plays, Measure for Measure and The Winter's Tale, will be on the bill for the Hampshire Shakespeare Company's 2002 summer season.  Shakespeare Under the Stars at the Hartsbrook School at 193 Bay Road in Hadley combines fully staged productions on an acoustically lively but intimate outdoor stage taking advantage of the beauty of a rural setting with the Holyoke range in the background.

Both plays deal with worlds put out of joint as a result of extremism and inflexibility, combined with political climates that make tyranny possible.  Thanks to an exceptionally talented and experienced company of actors and directors, this season promises to be one of the most rewarding in the HSC's twelve-year history.

Measure for Measure opens on Wednesday, June 26, at 7 pm, with performances running Wednesdays through Sundays at 7 pm through July 14.  Veteran director Andrew Lichtenberg returns for his third season.

On Wednesday, July 17, The Winter's Tale, under the direction of Benjamin Ware, will begin its run through July 28.  The HSC Young Company will present its own production of The Winter's Tale August 2-4, also at 7 pm.  Laura Patnode directs this group.

The June 27 performance of Measure for Measure will be a benefit for the Amherst Cinema Center to raise funds for the renovation of the historic building as a regional performing arts facility.  Tickets for the event are $35, and include a catered reception and discussion of the play by New England Renaissance Center director Dr. Arthur Kinney.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, and $6 for children to age 18.  For additional information, check the HSC web site: www.hampshireshakespeare.org.  Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.  Call 413-498-2210.

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