Much Ado About Nothing (2008)
Following hot on the heels of the Senior School play, The Importance of Being Ernest, our Middle School students (not to be outdone) presented another classic in an abridged version of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing; albeit with a modern twist. In an ambitious and daring move, this adaption by directors Nicolas Gregoriades and Wayne Bacon places the familiar characters forward in time to the summer of love in1971. The setting is a playground (actually a replica of our own playground outside the Menzies Wing and, where the cast spent much of the rehearsal period) giving the directors and cast ample latitude to explore the themes of love, trickery and deceit and, the childish way in which romance often unfolds.
Underscored by a fabulous selection of 1970’s sound tracks and wearing all too familiar 70’s costumes designed by Stephanie Des Barres and Helen Toner, the cast burst onstage cleverly using quirky physicality, buffoonery, slapstick humour and mask; reminiscent of the lazzi in Commedia del’ Arte, to hilarious effect. In fast paced exits and entrances and games of intrigue, deceit and conceit the story unfolds to show us just how silly, selfish and stubborn we can be in the search for true love. The colourful playground set, designed and constructed by Tony Scanlon and Sam Cook (OW), acted as a wonderfully suitable metaphor for the games we play in the pursuit of love.
The performances in this production were truly remarkable as the young cast showed true insight into the meaning of the play, mastering the cadence and nuance of Shakespeare’s language to a level expected of much more experienced actors. This was due, in part, to the fastidiousness of the directors, but was also a credit to the talent of the cast. Cast member Rebecca Attanasio as Beatrice tricked into love with Benedick played by Martin Quinn and, Edwina Orchard as Hero in her quest for love with Claudio played by Jakub Duniec showed maturity and depth. Hamish Taylor’s playfully roguish Don Pedro, step- brother to Wilde Anderson’s powerful Donna Julia contributed to the strength of the production. Ben Symon and Caitlin Symon as Borachio and Kate respectively contributed greatly to the physical humour, as did Gus Attwood, Karla Attanasio, Jazzy Bade-Boon and Pavel Suslov as the bumbling police officers. Hero’s friends Margaret played by Jasmin Arthur and Tansy Gorman’s Ursula helped through all the confusion and, her parents Leonato played by Sebastion Mundy and Antonia played by Syd Zygier gave much needed guidance and support. Finally Friar Francis played by Macklin Place provided an ingenious solution to help the star-crossed lovers find true happiness.
Adding to the professionalism and finesse of the production was the Technical Direction by Sabino Del Balso and Choreography by Carolyn Ramsey. The audience were thoroughly entertained, confused, bewildered and satisfied and, assured that the evening of nothing had been entirely worthwhile.
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