Fast paced, farcical, and relying on audience interaction – it’s Shakespeare not as we know it… or maybe it’s quite close to how plays were presented in his day.
Centre Stage Taupō’s production of ‘The complete works of William Shakespeare abridged and revised’ will bring to the stage a popular parody of the bard’s complete works with all of them being performed in comically shortened or merged form by only three actors.
Presenting a condensed version of all 37 plays as well as his sonnets in 97 minutes can get a little edgy for the actors, and the audience, says director Toni Sullivan.
For the actors, it feels like you’re flying by the seat of your pants when you’re out there, she says.
But she’s keen for the potential audience and actors to know this is Shakespeare made accessible.
“People keep asking me ‘do you need to know Shakespeare to come and see it?’ No, you don’t. And ‘do you need to know Shakespeare to come and audition?’ No, you don’t. It’s Shakespeare but not like you’ve ever seen it done before.”
Sullivan is suggesting would-be participants go along to Centre Stage’s weekly improvisation group Fairly Unstable Stage Homies/Hoggers (F.U.S.H) to prepare and see if they want to audition.
“It’s about learning to trust yourself, learning to trust your teammates, because it is a team-based play, and just pushing yourself a little outside your comfort zone so you can get crazy in the play and the auditions.
“It’s definitely worth coming along and feeling that energy and being able to push yourself a little bit.”
The improv group meets Mondays 7pm at the Centre Stage Playhouse and welcomes all comers, says Sullivan, with a small charge ($5) for non-members.
The ‘Complete Works…’ will be presented March 18-28, next year, with plans to build a stage on the Playhouse floor to create a theatre in the round.
While only three are involved onstage, Sullivan says they could be male or female, from 17 to 18 years or older, and who can function as a team.
“We’re looking at a group that works well together that’s the main thing, it’s not necessarily about who’s the best.”
And there are plenty of other roles to fill backstage.
“This will be a real fun one if people just want to come and get involved with Centre Stage… because there’s a lot of help needed backstage as well, to get people re-dressed and wigs on.”
Auditions for ‘The complete works of William Shakespeare abridged and revised’ are 6.30pm Thursday, December 11 and 4pm Sunday, December 14 at the Matai Street Playhouse.
More information is available on the Centre Stage website Community Theatre | Centre Stage Taupo | Taupō.
This story first appeared on LakeFM Shakespeare fast and furious
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