Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens set in Modern Times

The “Occupy” Movement is the setting for the New Theater’s production of “Timon of Athens”

Timon Of Athens, The National Theatre’s acclaimed contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s strange fable, set against a backdrop of modern-day London where money is power, will be streamed from London to Orcas Center’s big screen on Thursday, November 1 at 7:30 pm.

Wealthy friend to the rich and powerful, patron of the arts and ostentatious host, Timon of Athens suddenly finds his coffers empty. When he calls upon his friends for help, they hang him out to dry. So begins Shakespeare’s strange fable of conspicuous consumption, debt and ruin.

Set in contemporary London with a direct tie-in to the Occupy movement and financial crisis, Timon of Athens mirrors the current economic situation. It glorifies the “everyman” and villanizes the fat-cat bankers and hedge fund billionaires.

Simon Russell Beale (Collaborators, London Assurance) takes the title role in Nicholas Hytner’s (Hamlet, One Man, Two Guvnors) bold production, which makes Timon of Athens more relevant and compelling than ever before.

Simon Russell Beale is “the greatest stage actor of his generation.” Independent

“A perfect parable for our times in Nicholas Hytner’s exhilarating production featuring is a compelling central performance by Simon Russell Beale.” – The Guardian

“Nicholas Hytner has seized the cynical, disillusioned day. He hurls Timon into the 21st century and finds it lands there almost perfectly.” – Daily Telegraph

Tickets for Timon of Athens from NT Live are $18 for adults, $13 for students ($2 off for Orcas Center Members) and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm. For more information about Orcas Center 2012 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org.