The Resonance Ensemble will present the world premiere of Boal's 23 Knives and Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra in repertory this winter at the Clurman Theatre, followed by a newly revised production of Pendleton's Booth in the spring at the Lion Theatre.

Eric Parness will direct Boal's 23 Knives, running Jan. 11-Feb. 7, 2009. "In 44 B.C., the fate of the Roman Republic hangs in the balance," read 23 Knives press notes. "The most powerful man in the world, Julius Caesar, lies dead in the Theatre of Pompey, as politicians and military men ambitiously move to fill the void of power. Marcus Antonius summons the physician Antistius to uncover the truth about the assassination through a Greek technique called 'autopsy.' But as Antistius discovers more about the crime, the real truth becomes harder to find."

Running in repertory with 23 Knives will be Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra, directed by Kent Paul. "Four years before Julius Caesar sailed to Rome to meet his untimely end, the great leader sought to conquer the outer reaches of the land, always questing for a kindred spirit to rival his own," according to press notes. "What he finds, sitting on top of an ancient Egyptian Sphinx, is a young Queen Cleopatra, who beguiles him not only with her beauty, but because she may be the very match he's been seeking."

In the spring Eric Parness will direct Austin Pendleton's historical drama Booth, running May 16-June 6, 2009. "Generations collide as two of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time take on their most challenging roles as father and son," Resonance explains. "Junius Booth, a gifted but tortured actor of the 19th century acclaimed throughout America for his vigorous performances of Shakespeare, discovers that his young son Edwin shares his passion for acting. Worried that Edwin will also inherit the emotional struggles that plague him, Junius takes Edwin under his wing to guide his career."

Casting and creative duties for the Resonance Ensemble 2009 season will be announced shortly. Tickets, priced $18, are available by phoning (212) 279-4200 or by visiting Ticketcentral.

For further information visit ResonanceEnsemble.