Austin Pendleton returns to Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts for his 24th season, to star in David Sheppard's new play Keats, August 7-10.

Keats reflects on the last days of poet John Keats' life, in the rented hotel room where he was suffering from consumption in 1820 Rome. The full length play will be performed without intermission.

Austin Pendleton has performed in film, TV, on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in prestigious theatres all over the U.S. He has received several awards for his acting work, and has directed on Broadway as well. He currently serves as co-artistic director of Off-Broadway's Circle Repertory Theatre, where several of his plays have been produced.

Playwright David Shepard is also a New York actor, director and co founder of the Natural Theatre, a showcase theatre company that produces new and revived plays. Douglas Hall, New York actor, director, and former artistic director of SoHo's Synchronicity Space, will direct.

Keats premieres on Williamstown's Festival Stage, Aug. 7-10. Tickets cost $14-16. To reserve tickets and for more information, call (413) 597-3399.-- By Blair Glaser