LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD: Part 1
by Michelle Calhoun-Fitts
Friday, June 5, 2009 11:21am (PST)
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD: Part 1
Thoughts From The Young Shakespeare Front
Choosing to do Much Ado About
Nothing as a kids’ show presents particular challenges. Shakespeare’s classic comedy is full of
feisty wordplay, dastardly deeds, mistaken identities and tests of love, some
elements of which can be pretty adult thematically. How then to make this witty
romp about the Battle
of the Sexes both interactive and attainable? Although there aren’t any sword
fights, there are two party scenes, loads of physical comedy and some awesome
characters. Modernizing the setting and
costumes but not the language) can help too.
To be honest, I’ve never felt that Shakespeare is something that needs
to be performed in full Renaissance garb to be understood (“Oh the horror!”
scream the purists.). Because my
background as a Costume Designer typically forces me to think first in terms of
modern visual archetypes for each of the characters, I see the men of Much Ado as soldiers in camouflage
returned home; the police officers like inefficient security guards; the
villains as rejects from the Goth and Emo scene…you get the idea. I believe the
combination of these visual cues and the actors’ fine performances help to
promote understanding, even for the youngest audience members.
And speaking of the actors…At this writing, I have already gathered my
cast, many of whom are young local actors who were invited to audition after
attending InterACT workshops at their schools.
We have yet to start rehearsals, but will do so shortly.
Stay tuned for more thoughts from the Young Shakespeare Front. In the meantime, I can’t wait to bust out my
favorite songs from my play list for the soundtrack. It is
a modern adaptation after all. ;)
-Michelle Calhoun-Fitts
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