Bell Shakespeare’s theatre company is well known for adapting plays and re-establishing them in a modern setting. This has played a major role in creating the essence of what punters have come to expect from one of Bell’s productions, as well as adding to the accessibility of 16th Century texts to younger generations.
In Bell Theatre Co’s newest production, Twelfth Night, director Lee Lewis has grasped this sense of creative licence with both hands and run with it – juxtaposing an outlandish comedy against the sombre setting of last year’s Victorian bush fires.
While she justifies this by pointing out Shakespeare’s original intentions as providing a ‘metaphor for loss in the guise of comedy’, I cannot help but feel that the wounds that Australians have received as a result of this tragedy may not sufficiently have healed to the extent that they provide grounds upon which it is fair to base a comedy.
However, this is not to take away from the wonderful experience that this production provides. In fact, the context on which the adaptation is based has allowed Lewis to create an extraordinary set that provides the cast with unlimited scope.
One major benefit of relating Twelfth Night to modern Australia is the fact that punters who do not necessarily find Shakespeare easy to digest can nonetheless be drawn into this story of mistaken identity, deception and desire.
Outstanding performances from the entire cast (especially the legendary Max Cullen) – who all showed their mettle in comedic timing, an inherent aptitude for slapstick, skilful character changes – created an effortlessly funny interpretation of The Bard’s classic piece. Add to this the heartwarming Australian soundtrack, and Twelfth Night proves a great night out this spring.
WHAT: Bell Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
WHERE: The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre
WHEN: 12-23 October 2010
TICKETS: 02 6275 2
