By Pamyla Stiehl - Dramaturg
And now for something completely different . . .
Still in the works, Shakespeare in Briefs! promises to be a rollicking and irreverent romp through the works of William Shakespeare, offering some creative (and downright silly) treatments of our favorite comedies, tragedies and histories.
Why toy with the classics? Why not?
No play is safe or sacred. This year's Festival plays will receive special attention--that is, abuse and celebration--on the revue's stage. Audience members may be surprised to find that they themselves become part of the action while the CSF company actors showcase their versatility (not to mention dexterity, speed, and nerve), tackling the most venerable roles in the Shakespeare canon combined in a single performance.
Hamlet, Ophelia, Lear, Romeo, Juliet, Othello: all the favorites appear in record time, sporting unconventional looks, displaying unexpected talents and exhibiting never-before-seen personality traits. The age-old tradition of cross-dressing proves to be alive and well in the frenzied fun.
To present this condensed cavalcade of stars, many plots are twisted and teased. Top Ten lists provide a new way of connecting works within the canon. Expect the Top Ten Sword Fights, the Top Ten Missing Mothers and the Top Ten Dysfunctional Relationships. True to the spirit of the Bard, however, the evening still renders tales of love frustrated and flaws punished. And, of course, dead bodies litter the stage as the tragedies run their courses.
This is not to say that the important questions are not asked. Does Macbeth always have to wear a kilt? Is Richard III just misunderstood? And what meaning lies beneath his hump? Hump . . . what hump? In any case, the revue offers a lively, fun and cheeky look at the world of William Shakespeare — just the ticket for a midsummer's eve.