Loving Lope

GALA Hispanic and Shakespeare Theatre Company coordinate two Lope plays and events. Washington audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience two seminal works by Lope de Vega, one of the masters of Spain’s Golden Age. GALA Hispanic presents El major alcalde, el rey (The Best Judge, the King) from January 29 through February 22 while The Dog in the Manger is in production at the Shakespeare Theatre Company from February 10 through March 29. During the run of these productions, GALA and STC will collaborate by hosting a discussion series featuring artists from both companies that will provide audiences with an insightful look into the rich and intriguing world of Lope de Vega.

At 5:30 p.m., Following the performance of El mejor alcalde, el rey at GALA Hispanic on Sunday, February 15, GALA Artistic Director Hugo Medrano will lead a discussion between actors from both productions and STC artistic director, Michael Kahn.

On Sunday, February 15, at 1 p.m., members of STC’s artistic staff, education department and scholars will lead a special Windows discussion on The Dog in the Manger, at Sidney Harman Hall as a part of the Loving Lope collaboration. All are welcome. Call 202.547.1122 and press 4 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org to reserve a space.

Following the evening performance of The Dog in the Manger on Wednesday, February 18, all are welcome to the Lansburgh Theatre for a post-show discussion. As part of the Loving Lope collaboration, ask questions of the acting company of The Dog in the Manger as well as actors from GALA Hispanic’s El mejor alcalde, el rey. Those attending the performance are guaranteed seats. Additional seating is available on a first-come basis. Call 202.547.1122 for the approximate start time. No reservations required.

On Saturday, March 7, following the 2 p.m. matinee, STC hosts a special Classics in Context roundtable discussion, also as a part of Loving Lope, at Sidney Harman Hall about The Dog in the Manger with local bloggers, scholars and artists. Call 202.547.1122, option 4, or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org to reserve a space.

There will also be two special Happenings at the Harman. On Wednesday, February 11, the Embassy of Spain and the Washington Performing Arts Society will present Spanish dancer Ziva Cohen and on Wednesday, March 4, the Embassy of Spain will present the Friday Morning Music Club program in honor of The Dog in the Manger.

Q&A with Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd plays Diana in STC's production of The Dog in the Manger, running February 10 through March 29, 2009, at the Lansburgh Theatre.

Hometown:
New York, New York. Greenwich Village, specifically.

Most recent project:
Laurel on GOSSIP GIRL

Favorite role you’ve done:
This one tops the list. Previously, Angela Davis in Angela's Mixed Tapes and Jessie Brewster in Richard Greenberg’s The Violet Hour.

What play would you most like to perform in and what character would you like to play?:
I think Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, or Medea.

What's on your iPod? (mp3, cd player, etc.):
Broadway show tunes, Italian lessons and Jack Johnson.

Favorite Shakespearean play:
A Midsummer Night's Dream, because I’m a romantic. But the language in Hamlet also attracts me.

Favorite Shakespearean villain:
Lady Macbeth, Richard III, or Iago… but what classifies a villain?

How is performing on stage different from film acting? Which do you prefer?
I like them both. One lets me work on the other. I think working on stage and film is basically the same, you just have to think of them as different playwrights. Each has a style.

Have you had a chance to see D.C.? What’s your favorite spot in the city?:
Not yet. I’ve been immersed in rehearsal. But I did get to see Georgetown and I really liked it. Can’t wait to come up for a breath and explore. I will watch the parade….

Why did you want to do this play?:
So many reasons. The playwright, the director. The character intimidated me, so I felt challenged. It made my heart skip when I read it.

What is your favorite scene in The Dog in the Manger? Why?:
At the moment I really like my scenes with Teodoro. Our wordplay is very exciting.

What’s next for you after The Dog in the Manger?:
My husband’s working in LA, so first on my list is to see him.

Above photo: Michelle Hurd as Diana. Photo by Scott Suchman.