Bell Shakespeare Brings ‘As You Like It’ to Canberra
Bell Shakespeare’s performance of As You Like It in the Canberra Theatre Centre was completely packed out on the weekend. The Shakespearian comedy had the audience regularly in fits of giggles as the talented actors worked their charm on the 16th Century play.
The play, which began in the royal court followed the lives of two feuding brothers, Oliver and Orlando de Bois. It also followed Rosalind, whose father was banished by her uncle, Celia’s father. Rosalind and Celia are closer than sisters and when Celia’s father, Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind as well, Celia runs away with her. Into the Forest of Arden they go, seeking Duke Senior, Rosalind’s father.
The change of mise-en-scene into the Forest of Arden from the royal court was truly magical to watch. The dimmed lighting, enchanting singing and flowers falling from above kept the audience completely engrossed. In Bell Shakespeare style the sets were quite simple, the backdrop being just cream curtains. There was little to distract the audience from the actors before them.
An interesting twist to the classic Shakespearean comedy was the 1960s theme the theatre company adopted. Although the characters spoke in old English, the fashion and music reflected a decade centuries on from when the play was written. As I was familiar with the original play it took a while to warm to the modern take but I soon grew to really enjoy it.
There were times when some of the actors changed characters and it was so seamless I barely noticed. A special mention should be made about Kelly Paterniti, who played a particularly funny and energetic Celia, and of Charlie Garber, who was able to convince the audience that he was the completely love-crazed Orlando.
The spontaneous jazz songs performed throughout the play and particularly towards the end were fun and made the experience very unique.
The many romances that bloomed throughout the play were funny to watch and the ending left me feeling light-hearted and cheerful. If you are like me and do not enjoy Shakespearean tragedies such as Romeo and Juliet, give this comedy a go and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Text by Belinda McKeon
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