London's Reduced Shakespeare Company Shakes Up Schedule

The Reduced Shakespeare Company's schedule at London's Criterion Theatre is undergoing some major changes. The Bible: The Complete Word of God Abridged, which is currently playing one night each week, will close on March 31. The company's other shows The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged and The History of America Abridged will continue running in repertory at the theater, but will take a hiatus from April 5 through May 28.

For The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, the Reduced Shakespeare Company have edited the full Shakespeare canon into two hours. All 16 comedies are distilled into just one short extract and the history plays performed as a ball game.

The Complete History of America Abridged offers a mutilation of 500 years from Columbus to Clinton. It is the mother of all history lessons, reminding us that it's not the length of your history--it's what you've done with it.

Both of these shows opened at the Criterion Theatre in 1996 and have been playing in repertory ever since. The Bible: The Complete Word of God Abridged was added in 2003.

During their hiatus, the Criterion Theatre will house Amajuba: Like Doves We Rise, a piece made up of personal stories from South Africa.