The Bard packed with fun, laughter in great outdoors
Audiences can expect fun, laughter and plenty of energetic physical theatre when 2019’s Nelson Mandela Bay’s annual Shakespeare in the park play,
As You Like It, opens on Wednesday March 6.
When approached to direct the 2019 Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival, award-winning actor Jacques Batista picked one of the bard’s most popular pieces, as well as a dynamic young Bay cast.
As You Like It will run at the Mannville Open Air Theatre in St George’s Park until March 16 with performances weather permitting.
“The play has lots of comedic appeal while allowing one to inject the staging with contemporary elements [and] there is the opportunity for a sizeable cast to participate,” Batista said.
His choice comes at a fitting time as the subject of gender fluidity is integral to the plot – it is a trending topic in Hollywood and the world of sports.
As You Like It follows heroine Rosalind who escapes from her uncle’s court with her cousin Celia. For most of the script, Rosalind is disguised as a man as they move to the Forest of Arden where more characters are introduced and love interests which propel the romantic side of the comedy.
As director, Batista has adapted the original script to fit today’s society while maintaining the gist of the story.
“Through a postmodern approach, we have used costume, music and singing as well as staging, to present topics, such as politics and gender,” he said.
The story will be told by a cast of eight: Tarryn Light as Rosalind opposite romantic interest Orlando, played by Glen McIlroy.
Jaydee Mulder plays Jacques, Liske Hemingway is Rosalind’s cousin Celia, Luke Erasmus is Oliver, Matthew Hamilton is Touchstone, and Kathleen Fouche is Audrey.
Kerry-Lee Allen joins the cast with a family history of performing Shakespeare, this time playing both duchesses – Frederica and Senior – in addition to choreographing the opening dance in a way that puts the play firmly in its social context.
“We live in a world where we can make direct reference to issues without fear of consequences. Although, in many parts of the world, the restrictions on personal liberty is a reality,” Batista said.
“Shakespeare's time was one of metaphor and the safe space of the stage as mouthpiece in an epoch under cloak and dagger.”
The cast has been rehearsing since January.
Although the theatre’s setting fits to the play, the seasoned theatre maker said they had “opted for a more authentic Shakespeare this year with a few surprises of contemporary elements”.
As You Like It runs from March 6 to 16 at 7.30pm (excluding Sundays). Tickets are R65 for adults and R40 for pupils and block bookings.
● For more information and block bookings, contact Helen, 041-581-1738.