The Shakespeare Theatre Company is sponsoring a day-long symposium: STATE OF THE UNION: The Lessons in Leadership, Saturday January 30th. There’s a $60 registration fee which includes a ticket to see a performance of Synetic Theatre’s “Anthony and Cleopatra” at the Langsburgh Theatre. Or for $5 you get a day-pass to all the discussions.

The talks will be in Sydney Harman Hall starting at 3 PM. Here’s the blurb.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In preparation for the Leadership Repertory, the Shakespeare Theatre Company will host Stage of the Union: The Lessons in Leadership Symposium on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Exploring the content and characteristics of leaders from different perspectives, the day will feature original discussions between prominent D.C. arts leaders and political figures, scholars and journalists. The symposium will run from 3-6 p.m. in the Forum in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW).

The first discussion is between British Ambassador to the United States Nigel Sheinwald, author and journalist Christopher Hitchens and STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn. American leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Bill Clinton used Shakespeare’s words as inspiration and have valued the power of rhetoric in their own leadership. Do the arts indeed influence politics? This conversation will compare leadership through the lens of Shakespeare with the leaders of today. The second discussion will be on women in leadership involving political scientist and author Susan Tolchin and Dance Place Founder Carla Perlo. How do female leaders find their voice and connect with their communities through politics and art? The final panel will discuss leadership including an international perspective with Hart Research pollster Allan Rivlin, NPR correspondent Ari Shapiro and Synetic Theater Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili. How are leaders created and how do they affect the people they lead?

Dr. Robert Rosen will be moderating all panels. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend the evening performance of Synetic Theater’s Antony and Cleopatra in the Lansburgh Theatre.