It’s Shakespeare season. You know, when multiple places
around the United States (and the world) start launching productions of
Shakespeare’s plays. Several years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to
attend a Shakespeare Festival with my parents and see some live productions in
a traditional format.
The first Shakespearian play I saw was Twelfth Night. And what an excellent
starter. I can’t recall a play that I’ve attended where I laughed harder. And
this confirmed to me the notorious statement made about Shakespeare’s plays:
Shakespeare’s plays
are meant to be seen, not read.
I didn’t read Twelfth Night before I went. I read the playbill’s
introduction and I don’t feel like I missed much. In fact, I think I may have enjoyed
it more. I had no expectations of what faces Malvolio would react to. I didn't imagine where stage direction would be beforehand. It was great.
My favorite moment that sticks years later is the moment
when Viola’s identity is revealed (spoiler alert, sorry). And it was not because of what Viola particularly did, but rather Orsino’s face after he realized that Viola was not his male servant Cesario. I found the greatest humor in the actors’
reactions and the constant motif of gender uncertainty and ambiguity. The fun was in how the
text was interpreted rather than just the text.
If Twelfth Night ever comes to town again I plan on seeing
it again, it's an excellent Shakespearean comedy to watch.
What Shakespeare play
do you want to see?
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