Theatre--Performance

Lafayette (La) Acadiana residents have the opportunity to experience a comedy classic and flex their acting skills when the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) hosts a variety of community activities leading up to Aquila Theatre's performance of The Comedy of Errors on October 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

Aquila Theatre headlines PASA's annual free performance at Parc International in downtown Lafayette on October 30th, 2008 at 7:30pm. PASA in the Park is an annual event sponsored this year by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, FM Bank, E Bell Designs and Centennial Wireless. This performance is also supported in part by grants from Southern Arts Federation, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and additional grants as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.

The first event is a community discussion led by ULL's Dr. Susan Nicassio at the Iberia Public Library main branch on Tuesday October 21 at 6:00 p.m. that will focus on The Comedy of Errors, a classic Shakespearean comedy that is considered by some to be a brilliantly encrypted message to a deeply divided Elizabethan England. Others consider it is a hilariously entertaining comedy written by one of literature's greatest dramatists.

Aquila Theatre returns to the Parc International stage exactly 3 years after they launched the very first PASA in the Parc. In 2005, PASA was set to present Aquila Theatre's Hamlet at the Heymann Performing Arts Center but due to the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Heymann Center became unavailable due to the housing of storm evacuees.

After deciding to go forward with the performance, PASA decided to move the show to Parc International and was such a hit that PASAthe Park became an annual offering

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare's most well known comedies. The plot of the story involves two pairs of identical twins in the same household separated by a devastating shipwreck and a hilarious case of mistaken identity. But as the comedy unfolds, all is not what it seems.

The New York Times says: "No one who sees the rousing production by the excellent Aquila Theater Company will forget a whit of it."

The Aquila Theatre's imaginative production of Shakespeare's classic comedy is a "must-see" for newcomers to Shakespeare and current enthusiasts alike. The company has won international praise for their innovative presentations of classical drama and their unique staging of classical comedy. Aquila has also received prestigious international awards and high praise from audiences, critics and scholars. Some of their accomplishments include representing the National Endowment of the Arts at the White House and performing Shakespeare for the President and First Lady and, in the summer of 2007, making their Edinburgh Festival debut.

"This is a great night of fun for everyone come out and see theatre in best way possible at Parc International under the stars with family and friends," says PASA Executive Director Jacqueline Lyle, "The best part is that it is free so everyone will have the chance to experience a fantastic theatrical production."

In addition to the performance, audience goers are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume and compete for a variety of prizes, including tickets to upcoming PASA performances. The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and costume categories include: most creative, scariest and cutest costume. This is an all ages contest and everyone is invited to participate.

Limited bleacher seating will be available and PASA in the Park-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase and picnic dinners are welcome. However, no ice chests or pets are allowed.

The evening event on October 30th is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted but not required.