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Two ������Ƶ theater arts professors will offer their creative insight and discuss the artistic choices involved in staging a Shakespearean play. John Blondell and Mitchell Thomas will host the opening 2005-2006 ������Ƶ Downtown Conversation, Thursday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. The lecture is entitled: “Sad Stories of the Death of Kings: Approaches to Staging Shakespeare’s ‘King Richard II.’”

The Lit Moon Theatre Company and ������Ƶ Repertory Theater will co-produce “Richard II” Nov. 4-13 at Santa Barbara’s Trinity Episcopal Church. Blondell will direct the play which features Thomas as Richard II. It is the first in a yearlong season of events that centers on contemporary, international approaches to Shakespeare’s plays. This “Year in the Life” series features productions, lectures, film screenings and workshops. It will culminate with a 2006 Lit Moon World Theater Festival entirely devoted to international Shakespeare. The festival will be staged at a variety of Santa Barbara venues including the Lobero, Center Stage and Victoria Hall Theatres, as well as the Ellen Porter Theatre at ������Ƶ.

The lecture is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary. The ������Ƶ Foundation sponsors the Downtown Conversations.

For more information, contact the ������Ƶ public affairs office at (805)565- 7057 or e-mail pubaffairs@westmont.edu.