Lewis was inspired by images in the media following the Victorian bushfires and her production raises questions about what we value most when faced with the prospect of leaving our possessions behind. A striking newspaper photo of a bushfire survivor with his salvaged guitar is reflected in this production’s trumpet-playing Feste (MAX CULLEN), and epitomises the sense of hope that is at the heart of Twelfth Night.
Viola and her fellow-survivors have taken shelter in a community centre for the night, and discover a copy of Twelfth Night. To help Viola get through the dark hours until she can resume the search for her brother, they use salvaged belongings brought with them to enact the play.
This contemporary framing device lends a subtle twist and a little bit of magic to Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy of mistaken identity, deception and desire.
WHAT: Bell Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
WHERE: The Playhouse Canberra Theatre Centre
WHEN: 12-23 October 2010
TICKETS: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700
