There is nothing I love more in this world than a good
update on a classic. Now, as of late I have found myself trapped in many a
discussion on the validity of a modern interpretation. But as I was taught and
as I have known, I always come prepared to an argument with an arsenal of
facts, site source material and the good ol’ gizmo (bam!)
Here’s a perfect example of a modern update of a
Shakespearean classic that happened this past weekend right in the heart of our
city, Central Park. The Public Theatre’s Public Works Program put up a SMASHING
production of Twelfth Night at the Delacorte and let me tell you, not one toe
was left untapped, not one soul left unenraptured by the brilliant coming
togethers of the average Joe and Tony Award winning stars.
We know the story (or we’ve seen She’s the Man…) but here,
Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub do something so special with the text; a
modern/classic fusion so flavorful, rich and comforting, all the while keeping
its roots which perfectly mirrors their Illyria, New Orleans.
And I get it. Some updates are super forced and out of left
field (There’s a production of Antony and Cleopatra back in Chichester that
haunts me to this very day) but to declare “If music be the food of love, play
on” and not think of New Orleans in all its music, art and sex appeal, there’s simply
no hope in ever changing your minds. Frillies and plumes to you all!
Nikki M. James shines as Viola, mastering the language with
coolness and ease. Jose Llana is a perfect Orsino, oozing incredulous amounts
of love and angst, all in a man-bun, no less! Nanya-Akuki Goodrich’s Olivia was
so spirited and jovial, a refreshing change to a character we know to wail on.
Audiences fell in love with Sir Toby Belch, Mr. Jacob
Ming-Trent, a Public Theatre (and Entertainment Hour!) favorite as well as
Andrew Kober’s side splitting Malvolio.
Every single audience member in that sold out house was with these
captivating performers one hundred percent, laughing at every nuance, radio
silent at every touching moment.
One of the community groups that took part in this
production was the New York Deaf Theatre. They served the role as the unspoken
words inside Viola’s head when she wants to tell Orsino that she’s a woman and
she loves him. Feste, played by Ms. Taub
herself , sings “Is this not Love?” while the group dances and signs around
Viola and Orsino. Certainly an absolutely gorgeous inclusion that I will never
be able to forget.
I urge you all to support the Bard in all its forms and
veneers wherever it pops up! Because God knows I won’t shut up about it.
Review: Brittany Goodwin
Photos: Sarah Krulwich
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