June 20, 2003 - Hadley, MA - Production dramaturg Megan Smithling will talk about "Finding the Roses inside the Production of Richard III" in the second of Hampshire Shakespeare Company's special Friday night pre-show events on July 4.  As background for the play, England's War of the Roses provides fertile soil for exploring the politics and personalities that shaped an era.  Shakespeare's portrayal of King Richard has provided actors for centuries with a wealth of possible interpretations, and Smithling discusses the choices made in the current production.

As a freelance dramaturg and theater educator, Smithling constantly has to explain her function in a production.  A dramaturg provides information to the director and actors about the historical context of a play, and helps to unravel complex and sometimes obscure passages of language.  Smithling, who recently received her MFA in dramaturgy from UMass Amherst, worked with Hampshire Shakespeare for three years, as dramaturg for the Company's production of Othello, and last year playing the role of Juliet in Measure for Measure.

The production of Richard III runs Wednesdays through Sundays until July 13.  Curtain is at 7:00 PM, with the pre-show talk beginning at 6:30 PM.  HSC performs at The Hartsbrook School at 193 Bay Road in Hadley, Massachusetts.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $6 for children to age 18.  Handicapped-accessible.  For additional information, check the HSC web site: www.hampshireshakespeare.org or call 413-788-4750.  Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.  Call 413-587-9398.

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