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Hampshire Shakespeare Company
Morris Dancers Lead Off Hampshire Shakespeare Company Production

July 13, 2003 - Hadley, MA - On Friday, July 25, three local Morris dance troops will perform as a lead-in to Hampshire Shakespeare Company’s production of Love’s Labors Lost.  Audience members should plan to be at the outdoor theater, located at 193 Bay Road in Hadley, by 6:30 PM to enjoy this opportunity to see this delightful demonstration of traditional English dance by the Hart's Brook Garland women, Juggler Meadow Morris men, and Wake Robin Morris women.

Juggler Meadow Morris dancers gathered in 1981 and practice in Amherst, with members from all over the valley and into New York and Vermont.  Their outfits feature whites, black suspenders, black and white vest with black, brown and gold rosettes.  Wake Robin was founded in 1982, and also practices in Amherst, with members from both sides of the river.  Their distinctive costumes include traditional whites, with green and silver silk vests with Wake Robin Trillium on the back.  Hart's Brook Garland dancers wear whites, purple sash and floral vest and headdress.  The group started in 1991 and practices in Hadley, with membership from both sides of the river.

Juggler Meadow and Wake Robin's Morris dances come from the Cotswold region of England.  The Morris is a living tradition, which means new dances are also being composed.  Garland dances come from all over England as well as Europe, and new ones are also being created.  May is the traditional time for dancing out, so July is a little late in the season, but spring is too short!

These colorful dances are the perfect lead-in to the evening’s show, Love’s Labors Lost, which opened Wednesday, July 16 and runs Wednesdays through Sundays through July 27 at 7 PM at The Hartsbrook School on Bay Road in Hadley.  General admission tickets are $15, students and seniors $10, and children (to age 18) $6.  Groups of 10 or more can purchase blocks of tickets for 20% off regular prices.  For schedule, group sales and ticket information, visit the Company’s web site (www.hampshireshakespeare.org) or call 413-548-8118.