The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award®, presents its Annual Dinner and Mock Trial at Sidney Harman Hall(610 F Street NW) on Monday, May 11, 2015. This marks the 20th year that Shakespeare Theatre Company has put on the Mock Trial. The evening begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Forum, followed by the Trial at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre. A special session of the Supreme Court of La Mancha will review the decisions of the Family Court to declare Don Quixote mentally incompetent and his subsequent placement under the guardianship of his niece, Antonia.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will preside and will be accompanied by Justice Stephen Breyer, as well as Chief Judge Merrick Garland and Judge Patricia Millett, both of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Tom Goldstein of Goldstein & Russell P.C. andCarter Phillips of Sidley Austin LLP will argue the case. The Trial will be moderated byAbbe D. Lowell of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, chair of the STC Bard Association and STC Board of Trustees member.
Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company says of Mock Trial, “As I’ve often said, Shakespeare doesn’t tell us what to think, he tells us what to think about. This is what Mock Trial does so stunningly, it uses these classic stories as lenses to look at seemingly old issues and bring them to our modern, and legal, world.”
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Mock Trial is sponsored by the Bard Association, STC’s affinity group for Washington’s legal community.
Since 1994, the Shakespeare Theatre Company has hosted a Mock Trial based on a play from STC’s mainstage season. The fictional court case poses a legal question, or questions, and the audience must act as the jury to decide the fate of the characters. The Trial aims to examine the links between classic works and contemporary legal theory in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Past Mock Trials have explored whether Malvolio (Twelfth Night) was entitled to damages for wrongful imprisonment; Iago (Othello) was guilty of the murders of Desdemona and Othello; Hamlet (Hamlet) was insane when he murdered Polonius; and if Sir John Falstaff (Henry IV) should have been compensated for his services to Prince Hal and reinstated as a member of the royal court. Last year’s Mock Trial concentrated on the characters in William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and argued whether the Duke of Vienna should be held responsible for abuses of power perpetuated by his appointed representative, and debated issues of illegal secret surveillance, false imprisonment, negligent appointment of an unfit deputy, and disrespect of commitment to religious vows.
This season’s Mock Trial focuses on the characters in Dale Wasserman’s Man of La Mancha and asks the question: Did the Family Court commit reversible errors of law and fact in determining that Don Quixote was mentally incompetent, and should the Family Court have appointed Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s loyal friend, as his guardian, rather than his niece Antonia?
SCENARIO
As word spread of Alonso Quixana’s (self-named and known to the world as Don Quixote) exhibited signs of mental illness or incompetence, his niece Antonia petitioned the Family Court to appoint her to be his guardian to protect his financial interests and to make medical decisions for him. In support of her petition, Antonia described Don Quixote’s hallucinations, his instigation of ill-conceived and ill-fated battles, his unwitting contribution to the brutal treatment of Aldonza, and his persistent inability to separate reality from illusion. Antonia stated that Don Quixote was unable to manage his assets, pay his medical expenses, or make financial decisions in his own best interests, and that he had been the victim of financial exploitation without even realizing others were taking advantage of him. Antonia’s fiancé, Dr. Carrasco, provided a petition of incompetency claiming to be Don Quixote’s treating physician and asserting that Don Quixote’s mental disability was permanent and that he had no ability to understand the nature of the proceedings or reasons for appointment of a guardian.
The Family Court heard extensive testimony about Don Quixote’s ill-fated escapades during his career as a knight errant, about his discussion of his “dreams,” his tendency to burst into song, and his claims of being a knight. His friends testified about Don Quixote’s idealism, courtesy, generosity, gallantry, and nobility. Sancho Panza said Don Quixote knew he was not really a knight, but simply liked to conceive of a nobler world inspired by courtesy and bravery. Don Quixote’s attorney argued that he did not need a guardian, but that if the Court disagreed, it should appoint Sancho Panza, not Antonia.
The Family Court appointed Antonia as Don Quixote’s guardian. On petition for review by the Supreme Court of La Mancha, Don Quixote has asked the Court to decide two questions:
1. Did the Family Court commit reversible errors of law and fact in determining that Don Quixote was mentally incompetent within the meaning of the laws governing appointment of guardians of property and persons?
2. Assuming Don Quixote was not fully competent to manage his affairs or make decisions about his medical treatment, should the Family Court have rejected Antonia’s petition as motivated by fraud and self-interest, and instead have appointed Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s loyal friend, as his guardian?
TICKET INFORMATION
Interested in Premium Seating and Dining with the Participants before the Trial?Tickets to the Dinner and Trial ($350) are available now. To purchase tickets please call 202.547.3230 ext. 2330 or contact MockTrial@ShakespeareTheatre.
Trial-only Ticket Prices
A Price: $75
B Price: $50 (limited availability)
Student: $20 (valid student ID required when picking up tickets)
Tickets on sale for STC donors and season subscribers on March 18 at noon.
Tickets for the general public on sale March 23 at noon.
For more information please contact MockTrial@ShakespeareTheatre.
Brett Johnson Collection Trunk Show Event
Saturday, June 6
10am – 6pm
Neiman Marcus
Mazza Gallerie
5300 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC 20015
RSVP: dc.rep@135stagency.com
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The Brett Johnson Collection debuted in 2013 with a line of men’s shoes and apparel. The eponymous menswear collection encapsulates style, sophistication, and edge for the global lifestyle; amalgamating a modern silhouette with traditional handcrafted technique refined tailoring and detailed finishing.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Brett Johnson is the founder and creative director of the Brett Johnson Collection, a distinct brand of menswear which offers premium apparel that exudes style, sophistication, and edge for the global lifestyle. The Collection includes a variety of contemporary polos, t-shirts, shoes and elegantly tailored Italian outerwear. As a designer, Brett has always been passionate about fashion, sports, and entertainment. He has a keen sense of design and performance and credits international travel, music, and architecture as heavy influencers on the unique look and feel within the Brett Johnson Collection.
Brett was also an executive producer of Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring an Academy Award-winning cast that includes actors Oprah, Forest Whitaker, and Robin Williams. Previously, Brett worked with the legendary Italian auto manufacturer Ferrari, one of the most iconic brands in the world.
As a scion of a successful media and entertainment empire, Brett hails from a family of innovators and has cultivated many lessons in leadership and brand building.
@BrettJohnsonCo
Gilt City Warehouse Sale:
Date: Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th
Location: Dock5 at Union Market (1309 5th Street NE)
Tickets are on sale now at: www.gilt.com/DCWHS
- Sip cocktails with your friends during this two-day shopping party, where you’ll find designer clothing and accessories from Gilt’s top brands for women, men, and kids, plus home décor and more – all at up to 80% off retail.
- Shop hundreds of the most coveted brands, including both up-and-coming designers and the most venerable fashion houses like Zac Posen, Helmut Lang, Missoni, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera and more. For the guys, think Tom Ford, Paul Smith, John Varvatos, and GANT, just to name a few.
- Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while you shop!
- Plus – we’re opening up our exclusive media session on Friday night to Gilt City members. A very limited number of tickets are available for this session, so be sure to snag one quickly!
- To attend, guests can purchase tickets for the following dates and times:
- Early Access media session (limited number of tickets available for Gilt City members): Friday, June 12, 7PM-9PM, $25
- Late Night Entrance: Friday, June 12, 9:30PM-11:30PM, $20
- Saturday, June 13, 9AM-11AM, $10
- Saturday, June 13, 11AM-1PM, $10
- Saturday, June 13, 1PM-3PM, $10
- Saturday, June 13, 3PM-5PM, $10
- Saturday, June 13, 5PM-7PM, $10
- Saturday, June 13, 7PM-9PM, $10
About the Gilt City Warehouse Sale:
Date: Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th
Location: Dock5 at Union Market (1309 5th Street NE)
Tickets are on sale now at: www.gilt.com/DCWHS
- Sip cocktails with your friends during this two-day shopping party, where you’ll find designer clothing and accessories from Gilt’s top brands for women, men, and kids, plus home décor and more – all at up to 80% off retail.
- Shop hundreds of the most coveted brands, including both up-and-coming designers and the most venerable fashion houses like Zac Posen, Helmut Lang, Missoni, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera and more. For the guys, think Tom Ford, Paul Smith, John Varvatos, and GANT, just to name a few.
- Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while you shop!
- Plus – we’re opening up our exclusive media session on Friday night to Gilt City members. A very limited number of tickets are available for this session, so be sure to snag one quickly!
- To attend, guests can purchase tickets for the following dates and times:
- Early Access media session (limited number of tickets available for Gilt City members): Friday, June 12, 7PM-9PM, $25
- Late Night Entrance: Friday, June 12, 9:30PM-11:30PM, $20
- Saturday, April 25, 9AM-11AM, $10
- Saturday, April 25, 11AM-1PM, $10
- Saturday, April 25, 1PM-3PM, $10
- Saturday, April 25, 3PM-5PM, $10
- Saturday, April 25, 5PM-7PM, $10
- Saturday, April 25, 7PM-9PM, $10
On Monday, June 15, 2015, Will on the Hill, a favorite bipartisan event of theatre and political fans alike, returns to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Now in its thirteenth year, this year’s event features a performance of Midsummer Madness,an original play by Peter Byrne, and directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul.The cast will include special guest performer, STC Affiliated Artist Edward Gero andSamira Wiley, known for her role in Orange is the New Black.
The annual Will on the Hill event welcomes Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and distinguished Washington insiders onto the Shakespeare Theatre Company stage to perform a political satire infused with Shakespearean language and references. The event pays tribute to the unique dynamic of our city and provides a wonderful way to engage new audiences. Proceeds from this event support STC’s many education, artistic, and community engagement programs including in-school workshops and online learning resources that inspire new and diverse audiences and deepen the connection to classical theatre in learners of all ages. Will on the Hill will take place in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW), and begins with a VIP cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m., and a buffet dinner immediately after the performance.
This year’s cast for Will on the Hill will include guest actors Samira Wiley and Edward Gero. Wiley is a TV and film star and a graduate of the Julliard School, best known for her starring role as inmate Poussey Washington on the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Gero has been a prominent figure in the Washington theatre community and STC Affiliated Artist has appeared in more than 70 roles on the STC stage, most recently as King Henry IV in Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2. He recently created the role of Justice Antonin Scalia in the world premiere of John Strand’s The Originalist.
In addition to Midsummer Madness, the evening includes a performance from students inText Alive!, a free arts integration program offered by STC to D.C. area schools, which teaches Shakespeare’s plays through performance and adaptation. This year, students from Virginia’s West Springfield High School present their disco-style take on the wrestling scene from As You Like It, which was performed earlier this spring for the Duchess of Cornwall during her visit to the Shakespeare Theatre Company.
About Midsummer Madness: Summer in Washington finds two lobbyists, one male, one female, vying for a job at the prestigious lobbying firm Stratford, Avon and Bard. Each thinks the other has the advantage due to their gender, so their interviewer puts them to the task of solving some of their clients’—and Washington’s—biggest conflicts. Things do not go as planned, however, as Shakespeare’s heroes and heroines emerge to join the fray. The battle of the sexes is far from over…
Many members of Congress will join Edward Gero and Samira Wiley on the STC stage, including Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH),Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Susan Davis(D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Donna Edwards (D-MD), Janice Hahn (D-CA), Jim Himes(D-CT), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Jim Moran (D-VA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jared Polis (D-CO), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Turner (R-OH), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).
Other illustrious cast members include The Honourable Ian Liddell-Grainger (MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset), Christina Sevilla (DA U.S. Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President); and members of the media, including Jonathan Allen(Vox), Ron Christie (CEO Christie Strategies), Steve Clemons (Washington Editor-at-Large, The Atlantic, National Journal, Quartz), Bob Cusack (Editor in Chief, The Hill), Rich Edson (Fox News), Amy Holmes (The Blaze TV), Rick Klein (ABC News’ Political Director), Latoya Peterson (Fusion), Thomas Rogan (Tom Rogan Thinks), Robert Siegel(NPR’s All Things Considered), Pamela Lynne Sorensen (Pamela’s Punch), and Kelly Jane Torrance (The Weekly Standard).
The Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are Speaker John A. Boehner (R-OH), The Honorable James E. Clyburn (D-SC), House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) andU.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
* Cast members subject to change.
A select number of performance-only tickets to this popular event are available online atwww.shakespearetheatre.org/
On Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM Reddz Trading in Georgetown will present a Summer Style Soirée with Cap FABB Style Ambassador Abbey Brandon of District Dress Up. The leading style and lifestyle blogger will deliver summer party styling tips for weddings, poolside parties, music festivals and more. Known for her classic style with a twist, Abbey has been featured in publications such as Glamour Magazine, Capitol File Magazine, Washington Post, Lucky Magazine, Vanity Fair and more. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and complimentary hair braiding by neighboring high-end salon Luigi Parasmo.
Reddz Trading Founder Wendy Ezrailson, also known as “Wendy Red, Queen of Green,” has 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. She was a buyer and merchandiser of the famed DC fashion institutions Up Against The Wall and Commander Salamander. With the tough economy, she decided to try a different approach to the clothing business. She founded Reddz Trading, an eco-friendly resale store with locations in Bethesda, MD and Georgetown, DC. Wendy has an innovative approach to fashion and is a supporter of green living. She has been featured in The New York Times, Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, among many other publications.
WHAT: Reddz Trading presents a Summer Style Soirée with Cap FABB Style Ambassador
Abbey Brandon of District Dress Up
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 6:30PM – 8:30PM
WHERE: Reddz Trading
1413 Wisconsin Ave.
Washington, DC 20007
SOCIAL: #ReddzSummer
Reddz Trading: Twitter / Instagram @ReddzTrading
District Dress Up: Twitter @AbbeyBrandon / Instagram @DistrictDressUp
- Artist’s Proof – Curated pieces from various artists will grace the walls of several showrooms in Cady’s Alley. Live artist appearances and presentations throughout the evening.
- Baker Furniture – Sip, Sit and Savor. Indulge your senses with wine and chocolate pairings tailored our new collections from Thomas Pheasant & Barbara Barry. Save 10% on all Thomas Pheasant Collections.(Art from Artist’s Proof on display)
- Calligaris – Explore the new collections of Calligaris. Tap into storewide savings of 30% off.
- Circa Lighting – Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and enter a drawing to win a table lamp. Blue tag sale will be in effect. (Art from Artist’s Proof on display)
- Janus Et Cie – Outdoor spaces call for outdoor art! Come to JANUS et Cie and see our new Masters Collection while perusing a selection of outdoor sculptures presented by Zenith Gallery
- Kafe Leopold – Dine at Kafe Leopold, an authentic Austrian kafe. Take a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy dinner, coffee or dessert.
- Poggenpohl – Experience the new kitchen collaborations with Porsche Design. (Art from Artist’s Proof on display)
- Thos Moser – View the Cumberland Dining Room Collection. Enter your name into a raffle for a Thos Moser accessory. Enjoy 15% savings on our entire seating collection. (Art from Artist’s Proof on display)
- Waterworks – New Collections: Kitchen Cabinetry, Lighting, Hardware, and Surfaces (Art from Artist’s Proof on display)
Following the first official game of the season, the player’s wives walk in a fashion show in support of the DC NFL team’s Charitable Foundation.
