The InstigatorPentacle Theatre presents a young take on an old show as it brings William Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy Twelfth Night to life on stage.
When Viola is shipwrecked on the coast of a city called Illyria, and believes their brother Sebastian is lost at sea, Viola sets out to make a life for themselves in this new land. Presenting as a young man, Viola takes the name Cesario. Viola/Cesario takes a job at the court of Duke Orsino, and quickly finds themself in the middle of a love triangle between the Duke and the Lady Olivia. Viola/Cesario meets an array of exciting and exuberant characters as the plot twists and turns.
Isaac Joyce-Shaw directs this comedic and heartwarming story of love, lust, mistaken identity, gender exploration and living la dolce vita – the sweet life.
The story has relevance to modern life, said Issac.“It’s a very old script but accessibly written for modern times, and it’s very funny. The biggest thing is how relevant the themes of gender and sexual identity are to contemporary society.”
Through immersive video and soundscape design, this historical play has been given a contemporary treatment that will transport the audience, yet it is not necessarily the world we live in now, said Isaac — It’s stylized and heightened. And although the show combines a variety of music styles, a synth-wave aesthetic and hyper-pop sound, Isaac stayed true to the original dialogue, although cut some for brevity. “Apart from that, it’s the script.”
Tackling Shakespeare, the cast includes Sanaya Forbes as Viola/Cesario, Erich Schmidt as Sea Captain/Officer, Lucas Hill as Sir Toby Belch, Elizabeth Ming as Maria, Julianna Gibbons as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Noah Miller as Valentine, Andrew Hays as Orsino, James Schmidt as Curio, Sam Welborn as Feste, Shay Haase as Olivia, Robert Alan Barnett as Malvolio, Valerie Mozena as Fabian, David Cusick as Sebastian and Dusty Wall as Antonio.
“I am lucky to have an experienced cast, most with a professional background,” said Isaac.
Seen the play previously? Don’t let that prevent you from attending this fresh take.
“Hopefully, for those who are familiar, it’s going to reveal parts of the script they didn’t notice before,” Issac said.
Twelfth Night
When: 7:30 p.m. April 29-30, May 5-7, 12-14, and 2 p.m. May 1 and 8
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW
Cost: $25. Buy tickets here. Students, frontline healthcare workers and people who hold an Oregon Trail Card are eligible for half-price tickets.
Info: pentacletheatre.org
Note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations OR a negative test is required for all patrons. Masks welcomed and recommended.
