A Very 70s "Twelfth Night"
Image credit Toni Spellacy
"I am the Man," proclaims a smirking Viola, the lead character in Santa Clara University's fall production of “Twelfth Night”, by William Shakespeare. This fresh take on the classic play shows why it is proclaimed "Shakespeare's most progressive comedy" by SCU Presents. The basis for the 2006 rom-com “She's The Man,” this play features misplaced romance, deception, partying and song. The University’s theater department takes it in quite a different direction—set in 1977 and based in an eccentric Berlin disco nightclub.
The opening number, an inviting dance with a cast full of characters sporting vests, bell-bottoms, big glasses, immerses you immediately in the dramas of the town of Illyria. As Count Orsino, portrayed by Christian Barnard, begins his first Shakespearean monologue, you realize this is no ordinary disco. As you listen to the lilting gait of 'thou' and 'methinks', you may really believe people talked that way in the 1970s, because the words flow out of the actors' mouths so smoothly.
An eclectic and comical group is soon introduced: Feste the Fool, portrayed by Emilia Rodriguez, the comical Toby Belch, played by Caz Morales, and Toby's sidekick Andrew Aguecheek, portrayed by Calyx Klein.Together, they create a troupe that I would love to have a drink with.
Soon, the true plot arises and you see Viola, played by Holly Burns, dressed up as a man and working to woo the Countess Olivia, Kennedy Dawson, for Orsino. But through her pleasing words and flattery, Viola, or her alter-ego, the "man" Cesario, may have more romantic pursuers than she bargained for.
Of the play, sophomore Holly Burns says, “Twelfth Night’ has been such a wonderful experience. Putting together a show is such a demanding process, but the people that you work with make it all worth it … The energy we share brings the characters to life in ways I never imagined. It's amazing how much we support and learn from each other, both as actors and friends.”
The chemistry on stage cannot be understated, and with audience interaction, you cannot help but feel the camaraderie yourself. It is a boisterous, silly and thoroughly entertaining play.
There are many more treats to behold in seeing this play, including pranks by Countess Olivia's lady-in-wait, Maria. Played by Emma Fox, Maria joins the crew of the Fool, Toby and Andrew in convincing Olivia's steward Malvolio, played by Alexander Jordan, that Olivia is in love with him. Antics, and very questionable fashion choices, ensue.
If you aren't yet convinced to see this ineffably enchanting play, may I just add there is a lightsaber battle, with Star Wars music. “Twelfth Night”has performances this week, and students can get a free ticket through SCU Presents. There are shows Thursday, November 7 through Sunday, November 10.