Cambridge University Press celebrates 425th anniversary in dark and dreamy style
- Release Date: 08/06/2009
- Country of Issue: United Kingdom
- Category: Corporate
Cambridge University Press is celebrating 425 years of continuous publishing in 2009, and a unique production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is going to be put on to mark this important milestone.
Staged outdoors in the grounds of Cambridge University Press on Shaftesbury Road in Cambridge, the cast and crew of the production features mainly staff from Cambridge University Press and the University of Cambridge.
Tickets cost £10 and all box office proceeds will go to three very worthwhile charities – the Cambridge Cancer Help-Centre, Addenbrookes Charitable Trust: Special Care Baby Unit and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The performances are on Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 and Saturday 27 June 2009, 7.30pm; Saturday 27 June matinée, 2.30pm, and the audience are invited to bring along a picnic to the performances.
The performances are part of a series of events that marks both the 425th anniversary of Cambridge University Press, and the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge.
Both anniversaries will be celebrated in many ways throughout 2009, with concerts, theatre and dance performances, publications, discussions, debates and public lectures. The anniversaries provide an occasion for Cambridge University Press and the University of Cambridge to join in commemorating the books, people, ideas and achievements that have emerged from their shared history and which continue to inspire and transform the world.
Director Susan Painter promises the production will be “An excitingly dark, refreshing and modern interpretation of this much-loved tale of magic, mystery and mix-ups. We want the audience to experience the unsettling nature of a world in chaos and the unnerving darkness of dreams.“
Chief Executive of Cambridge University Press, Stephen Bourne says: “I am really proud to support this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not only is the cast and crew mostly made up of our staff here at the Press and colleagues at the University, but all of the proceeds raised will go to very worthwhile charities. This promises to be an exciting and innovative production, and I am delighted that Cambridge University Press is supporting this in its 425th year."
Sir Geoffrey Cass, Deputy President of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Chief Executive of Cambridge University Press between 1972–1992, says: "This production promises to take an interesting fresh approach to what is one of Shakespeares best-loved plays. I am always intrigued by new ways of bringing our old classics to life for modern audiences, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in theatre, Shakespeare, or even just picnicking outdoors, to come along!"
Tickets can be bought through the Cambridge University Press Bookshop, 1 Trinity Street in Cambridge, or through the Cambridge Arts Theatre Box Office, 6 St. Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ, telephone 01223 503333.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
For further information, go to www.cambridge.org/dream, or contact the Press Office.
About Cambridge University Press
Cambridge University Press is the publishing business of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading research institutions. It is the oldest publisher and printer in the world, having been operating continuously since 1584.
Throughout its history, the Press has maintained a reputation for innovation and enterprise, through publishing the latest research, and through supporting the latest methodologies for teaching and learning. Its purpose is to advance learning, knowledge and research worldwide. It publishes 240 journals and over 2,500 books annually for distribution in nearly every country in the world.
For further information about Cambridge University Press, go to www.cambridge.org
About the Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with Cystic Fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust was founded in 1964 and its objectives are to:
- fund medical and scientific research to develop a cure and provide effective treatments for Cystic Fibrosis.
- ensure appropriate clinical care for those with Cystic Fibrosis.
- provide information, advice, support and, where appropriate, financial assistance to anyone affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
For more information on the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, go to www.cftrust.co.uk
About the Cambridge Cancer Help-Centre
The Cambridge Cancer Help-Centre supports people who have or have had cancer by providing a meeting place in a warm, friendly environment, in which those with cancer, their families, friends and carers can meet each other, discover that they are not alone and give one another mutual support. They offer yoga, painting, relaxation & visualisation and a wide range of complementary therapies.
For more information, go to www.cambridgecancerhelp.org
About Addenbrookes Charitable Trust: Special Care Baby Unit
ACT’s aim is to support and promote the work of the hospitals for the benefit of patients and staff, by raising extra funds to enhance services, facilities and research. The Special Care Baby Unit is a hospital ward based in the Rosie Maternity Hospital at Addenbrooke’s, falling under the auspices of the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, a registered charity. The facility plays a vital role in providing a calm and relaxing environment for babies in intensive-care and other special-care situations, and for their parents. Members of Press staff have benefited directly from the work of the Unit.
For more information go to www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk
If you would like more information, contact the Press Office:
- Telephone: +44 (0)1223 325544
- Fax: +44 (0)1223 325062
- Email: press@cambridge.org
- Post: The Press Office, University Printing House, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8BS, United Kingdom