“I have a passionate interest in these young artists, and want to nurture a thriving arts community,” said John Landes, chairman of the Board of WPPB 88.3 FM Southampton and co-producer of the upcoming production of Hamptons Independent Theatre Festival’s (HITFest) performance of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
This is HITFest’s 14th season of performances at Mulford Farm in East Hampton. The outdoor production of Shakespeare’s romantic tragicomedy will take place during 12 starlit nights from Wednesday, August 6, through Sunday, August 24, 2014.
Keeping with the tradition of the original performances of Shakespeare’s works at The Globe Theatre, the East End community will gather on the Hamptons hillside before the play, as Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) kids get ready to create the storm that will open the show.
“HITFest performances have great production values and Mulford Farm is an exceptionally nice outside performance venue,” noted Landes. “People can picnic on blankets, and be very close to the stage, and to the actors. It’s going to be great fun to see Shakespeare outside on a summer’s evening.”
“The Tempest” features 18 talented cast members of both Equity actors and local professionals. Joshua Perl, founder and creative force behind both The Naked Stage and HITFest, will direct the production.
Once again, Peter-Tolin Baker will craft visual wonder for showings of “The Tempest.” Dramaturg Richard Horwich is supervising the show while writer Peter Zablotsky will co-producer along with Landes. Fatcat Paperie’s Pamela Gurman rounds out the HITFest behind-the-scenes sextet as graphic designer.
“Non-profit theatre is a labor of love,” expressed Perl, “and we look forward to exciting, engaging and entertaining our community. Our grassroots approach is perfect for Mulford Farm, and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with CMEE and EHHS, two beloved East End arts organizations.”
Performances of “The Tempest” will take place from Wednesday, August 6, through Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 7 p.m. There will be no performance on the night of Friday, August 8. General admission is $20, student/child over ten is $10, and children under ten are free.
Mulford Farm is located at 10 James Lane East Hampton. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hitfest.org.