Mercy College has partnered with the Irvington Shakespeare Company (ISC) and the affiliated Irvington Theater to host a performance of “Acting Shakespeare,” a new play adapted from a one-man show written and performed by the legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen. Performances will take place in Mercy’s Lecture Hall on the Dobbs Ferry Campus from March 24 to 27.
Mercy is a founding sponsor of ISC, a professional theater company that provides inclusive and physically accessible theatrical productions in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Last summer, Mercy provided rehearsal space for the company’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” earning an executive producing credit.
The partnership with ISC was facilitated by Mercy’s Interim Provost Peter West and Marc Palmieri, M.F.A., assistant professor of Communication Studies, who often works with the Irvington Theater to create artistic experiences and learning opportunities for Mercy students. “In ‘Acting Shakespeare,’ four actors take turns performing monologues interspersed with theatrical anecdotes from the life of a Shakespearean actor,” he said. “It’s a classic play that Sir Ian first performed in 1980 and later performed all over the world. We’re very excited that this imaginative new production is coming to Mercy College.”
A New York Times theater review called “Acting Shakespeare,” “…a distinctive theatrical experiment—part autobiography, part classroom lecture, part vaudeville show, along with hefty chunks of Shakespearean poetry and drama.”
“As an educational institution, Mercy is excited to work with partners in the area to provide high quality theatre to both the Mercy and the surrounding community in their own backyard,” added Palmieri.
“Acting Shakespeare” will also be performed during Mercy’s Christie Day celebration on April 13. Started in 1984, Christie Day is annual celebration in honor of the founder of Mercy’s English Department, Sister Mary Joannes Christie. The yearly celebration includes the presentation of a Shakespearean play. For Mercy staff and students, tickets are free to all performances of the play, including Christie Day.
To purchase tickets to the performance, please click here.