When: 14th January 2023 (Matinee)
Where: Soho Place, London
Writer: William Shakespeare
Director: Josie Rourke
I was supposed to see this production in December but sadly due to cast illness we had to postpone it. However it was well worth the wait, this play is extraordinary.
One of the greatest things about this production is it's accessibility. Introducing the use of sign language to the piece, captioning and casting Rose Ayling-Ellis in the role of Celia, entices a wide variety of audiences that have previously been excluded from theatres. For me, not only was this openness a great way of getting people into the theatre, but it added new levels and textures to Shakespeare's work that I don't think have been seen before. The way in which the captions and sign language are incorporated into the piece make it feel cohesive and as if it was meant to be there. As is discussed in the programme this is a story of love languages and within this sign language becomes another yet another language characters use to express themselves. Shakespearean is poetic and expresses using more than just the plainest words, in a way sign language is the same using not only words but facial expression and posture to connote deeper meaning. Not only did this accessibility come through the inclusivity of the deaf community, but I found the use of captioning useful for anyone. Shakespearean is often difficult to understand not only through the language used but also differentiating between characters. I felt the captions provided another format for people to understand the work by, providing a much easier way into the bards words.
Whilst the inclusion of accessibility, performance in a brand new modern theatre, and the use of screens could have detracted from the Shakespearean origins of the piece, they did anything but. This production holds all the joy, and rambunctious nature that a Shakespeare performance should have, and the brand new theatre appears to be made for this kind of work, lending its self perfectly to the intimacy of the piece. It was clear that this was Shakespeare, from the language spoken, but it felt fresh and lively, it felt as if it was a modern story being portrayed in that very moment. The performers have fun with the piece accentuating the eccentricities of the characters and the story, and enticing the audience to join them in the world they create. The only set on stage is a piano, which manages to beautifully set the scene using only music. This with the bareness of the stage emulates the trust Shakespeare put in his audience to imagine they are in the forest. Everything thing about it screams Shakespeare, and yet it is not clouded in fear, there is no expression that this is only for the upper classes, this is a show for anyone and everyone.
Whilst not written into the script there are many moments that played out in the background of the main action, these added humour, humanity and immersiveness to the story. Every performer in this is aware of their role in the story, and the in-the-round staging meaning they are always seen by the audience. Not only do they remain in character, whilst not in focus, but they are actively performing smaller scenes in the background. My favourite of which taking place during the final scene of the play. Celia and Oliver are sat in the entrance to one of the aisles, whilst the other characters are talking we can see Oliver signing what is being said. It is a beautiful moment that not only shows how well the production has been thought through but it furthers the character development showing how Oliver has learnt sign language in order to speak with his love. In this way once again highlighting clearly how sign language has become these characters love language. Similarly these small moments are shown through the relationship between the characters and the pianist. At points the characters are fond of the pianist requesting him to play whilst they sing and at other points frustratingly telling him to stop. The inclusion of the pianist becomes quite a large focal point for the piece grounding it in the whimsical storytelling it portrays, and adding to the textures of the writing.
If you cannot already tell I absolutely adored this production, it was joyous, brilliant and heartfelt. Each character had its own nuances and the story was portrayed with care and understanding. Throughout the production it is clear how much the audience is enjoying it. There is a shared glee and fascination with the story taking place before us. I genuinely believe this is the best performance of a Shakespeare play I have seen, and If they could do this with every play I would greatly appreciate it. It is a wonderful experience and I hope as many people are able to see this play as possible before it closes.
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