Three actors, 37 plays in a mere 96 minutes.
In this fast-paced, over-the-top, comedy, actors and students at Sinclair Josh Smith, Kevin Erman and Chris Hahn, race through William Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies and history.
“I expect awesome fun and that people come in and an hour and a half flies by because it is really good entertainment,” said Theater Department Chair and Director for the play Stephen Skiles. “Shakespeare is difficult to understand. I hope this play’s language, themes, stories will allow viewers to see Shakespeare in a less dense manner.”
The play, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, who are the founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC), focuses on improvisation, spontaneity and audience participation.
The three actors and Skiles had the opportunity to work closely with Artistic Consultant Reed Martin of the RSC. The cast was able to receive insight, hands-on techniques, helpful hints as well as character feedback for their play from Martin.
“It is very exciting to have nationally and international artist here at Sinclair. I think it is part of being a Vanguard institution,” Skiles said. “I love the play and the RSC’s work. It is just a lot of fun working with them.”
Being a multi-role parody, Smith has taken the risk and acts the parts of Juliet, Ophelia and Cleopatra and many other female roles.
“I feel honored to be playing the role of a girl. It is a new experience for sure,” he said. “It is chaotic because of the quick changes that I will have to do. I probably have screamed like a girl more in this play than ever.”
While the play is centered on humor, Erman said that a lot of preparation has gone into the performance. “It is really about a lot of preparation and trying different voices,” Erman said. “Like McBeth has a Scottish accent, it is about being ready and always in the moment preparing to be outrageous.”
Blair Hall Theater in Building 2 is typically the home for theater performances, but this year the play will be in the dance studio. Seating is limited to 75 people per performance.
“We wanted to create a space where they could be acting just inches away from the audience,” Skiles said. “The studio is more of an intimate setting because the actors take the audience on a crazy ride and might even sit in their laps.”
Three actors, through Shakespeare’s play in 96 minutes, will leave the stage with a stronger bond than ever before. “We’re the three best friends that anyone could have,” Erman, Smith and Hahn said singing.
“If you look at the beginning until now, there is a stronger level of trust to be able to try what you do in rehearsal,” Hahn said.
“We naturally just gravitate toward each other now,” Smith said.
The Sinclair Theater presents The Complete works of William Shakespeare abridged on April 19 at 10 a.m. in Building 2 on the fourth floor in the dance studio. All tickets cost $10.
“This play is very goofy and outrageous. It is a lot of risk-taking and trial and error,” Skiles said.
“Hopefully it will be a fun night,” Hahn said. “It is definitely a crowd-pleaser.”
Theater Department to showcase the complete works of William Shakespeare
