University production of Shakespearean classic ‘As You Like It’ does not disappoint

By Emilie E. Tole
Western Herald

The University Theatre Department does not disappoint with its rendition of the Shakespeare classic, “As You Like It.”

The play is set in young Revolutionary America during 1775, and mostly takes place in a forest called the Forest of Arden, which actually exists in England.

The set design consists of winding ramps to add height and dimension to the stage. Instead of a typical set construction comprised of flats and fly systems, fabric has been draped from the floor to ceiling in strategic angles.

The creative projection of lights onto the sheer fabric makes for a mystical and dreamlike setting. It also adds a soothing aesthetic and draws most of the attention to the actors, where attention is appropriately held.

Oftentimes, Shakespeare’s work is hard to pay full attention to for long periods of time simply because of the complex language and Old English syntax. However, in the University production, there are many musical interludes. These musical numbers are not always in 1775 period style, and although I was a bit taken aback by this at first, I very soon became appreciative of this creative license.

The music and bevy of male characters involved in each performance was refreshing and comically relieving. After these pauses in the dialogue, I found myself being revived and once again being able to linger on every word the Shakespearean actors were saying.

In my experience of viewing enactments of Shakespeare’s plays, I have found that many times, actors will make the language and conversation sound “Shakespearean.” What I mean by this is that there is a grandiose aura about the actor and the scene seems forced, hard to relate to, and completely unrealistic.

The direction, along with the actors’ execution of the Shakespearean dialogue in this interpretation of “As You Like It,” is phenomenal. The dialogue is very conversational and loaded with personality.

There have been few University plays that I have seen where the entire cast exuded such mass talent as the cast of this particular production has.

Bravo to the cast and crew of “As You Like It” for creating an enjoyable and glowing performance!

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Posted by heraldstaff on Feb 22 2010. Filed under A & E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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