OBSERVER: As You Like It
Following the sold-out success of Othello at fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne Shakespeare Company presents a reimagining of Shakes-peare’s comedy, As You Like It.
This will be a new musical adaptation with pop hits, slapstick shenanigans and ‘more decadence than a Versailles tea party.
When Rosalind gets kicked out of her uncle’s court, she escapes to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Ceila and discovers a world where love, laughter and liberation run wild. Cue mistaken identities, swooning lovers and a forest full of fools.
Annabelle Tudor returns to Melbourne Shakespeare Company to direct As You Like It, bringing with her a rich background that spans the Melbourne and Australian Shakespeare companies and the original Australian cast of Puffs.
Having played Rosalind in Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s original 2020 production, Annabelle now steps behind the scenes to reimagine the play as a pastel fever dream inspired by Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette – “a world where freedom meets restraint, and glitter meets grass stains”.
“This enduring story celebrates so many elements of what it means to be human – women’s friendship, exploration of identity, philosophy and the transformative power of love,” says Annabelle Tudor.
“We explore these themes against the backdrop of a playful, high-camp world where freedom reigns, and so does Madonna,”
A queer celebration of individuality, identity and the joy of letting yourself run a little wild.
With musical direction by Tim Bland, the production is described as suitable for Shakespeare lovers and first-timers alike, a summer spectacle that invites audiences to pack a picnic, bring their people and revel in a night of romance, revelry and ridiculousness.’
Season Dates: December 5-21 at 7pm (Wed. – Sun.), 3pm (Sat.-Sun.)
Duration: 90 minutes, no interval
Opening Night: Friday December 5 at 7pm
Venue: St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Tickets: melbourneshakespeare.
com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: As You Like It cast. Photo: Nick Robertson