NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Sept. 28, 2016 Contact: nellie macCallum Marketing Director [email protected] 402.990.6066

Nebraska Shakespeare, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska Omaha Presents “A War Of Roses” By William Shakespeare, adapted by Vincent Carlson-Brown (OMAHA, Nebraska) As part of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Nebraska Shakespeare, the theater departments at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha are presenting A WAR OF ROSES. An original, two-part retelling of William Shakespeare's Henry 6 Trilogy, A WAR OF ROSES: (part 1) Foreign Flames and A WAR OF ROSES: (part 2) A Fire Within will be a first-of-its-kind collaboration. Both productions will feature casts and production teams comprised of faculty and students from both Creighton and UNO, as well as alumni professionals hired by Nebraska Shakespeare. Over 100 individuals will be involved to make this a reality. A three week event - a treat for historians and Shakespeare fans alike. A WAR OF ROSES: (part 1) Foreign Flames will be performed at the University of Nebraska Omaha (Preview November 2) November 3-5,10 at 7:30 PM; November 6, matinee 2 PM; UNO Theatre Weber Fine Arts Both plays November 12 & 13: Part 1: Foreign Flames - matinee performance 2 PM; UNO Theatre Weber Fine Arts Part 2: A Fire Within - evening performance 7:30 PM; Creighton University Lied Center Join us for an event between the plays on the 12th only: The Shakespeare Collective Presents: Intermission! A special gathering before Part 2 for dinner, drinks, and more. Space is limited. A WAR OF ROSES: (part 2) A Fire Within will be performed at Creighton University - (Preview November 9) November 11, 17-19 at 7:30 PM; November 20, matinee 2 PM; Creighton University Lied Center For ticket packages please go to www.nebraskashakespeare.com

The Henry 6 trilogy bridges the historical gap between Shakespeare’s greatest history plays, “Henry 5” and “Richard 3.” “Foreign Flames” begins with Henry 5 and his band of brother’s victory at Agincourt. His reign is tragically short, leaving behind a weak young heir, Henry 6, his resolute queen, Margaret of Anjou, and military reversals as the French army rebounds under the leadership of Joan of Arc. The campaign ends in disaster and the loss of France. In “A Fire Within,” the political fallout between the Lancasters and the Yorks leads to civil war across England and a popular revolt in London under Jack Cade. The Lancasters of Henry 6 gain the early upper hand, only to suffer catastrophe at Towton, establishing the reign of Edward 4 and the rise of his younger misshapen brother, Richard Plantaganet, Duke of Gloucester. The winter of our discontent is sure to follow. -

Vincent Carlson-Brown, Joe Basque

Artistic Director Vince Carlson-Brown says the project has been in the works for nearly four years, when he began his adaptation. “We wanted to celebrate our thirtieth anniversary with an epic cycle that would include current and former actors from both schools.” The project definitely involves theater royalty, with Professors D. Scott Glasser and Amy Lane directing the likes of Scott Kurz, Charleen Willoughby, Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, Nick Zadina, Vince and Sarah Carlson-Brown, and 2016 TAG Scholarship winner Ben Adams.

About Nebraska Shakespeare Inspired by Shakespeare’s work, We create professional productions and accessible programs that ENGAGE, EDUCATE, and ENTERTAIN. Nebraska Shakespeare is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 with the vision to make Shakespeare a part of society beyond literature and classrooms. The organization works to achieve this vision by providing opportunities for interaction and learning that are both free and accessible to the public. Nebraska Shakespeare currently serves 50,000 individuals through quality theatrical performances and educational forums including Shakespeare On The Silverscreen, Shakespeare On The Green, Camp Shakespeare, Shakespeare On Tour, Director's Reading Series, and Anne Dittrick Sonnet Writing Contest for students and adults. These programs are made possible through collaboration with Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha, the City of Omaha, generous benefactors, talented artists, seasoned staff, and 200+ dedicated volunteers. For more information and a full list of events and programs, call 402.280.2391 or visit www.nebraskashakespeare.com.

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