Prototype Issue
As You Like It
Stage
Neighborhoods
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga
, CA
90290
Sunday, June 01, 2008 -- 03:00 PM
Two pairs of disaffected brothers are at the heart of "As You Like It", inspiring Ellen Geer to reset William Shakespeare's witty adventure in the divided South of the post-Civil War era. Rosalind and Orlando's celebrated courtship is played out against a backdrop of political rivalry, banishment and exile at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, in a scenic outdoor amphitheater carved into the Topanga Canyon hillside.
Two brothers alienated by ambition. Two more estranged by envy. Rosalind, daughter of a banished Duke, is forced to flee the court and enter the Forest of Arden when her uncle, usurper of his brother's estate, threatens to have her killed. Accompanied by her cousin Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a man for safety's sake. The disguise comes in handy when she tests the devotion of her noble admirer, Orlando - who is also on the run from a vengeful older brother. With Rosalind's wit leading the way, the forces of true love and justice eventually triumph.
"The play is called 'As You Like It' - and we know you will," promises Theatricum artistic director Geer. "Here is a play that has everything audiences all over the world have loved from the beginning of time, and will continue to love until the end of time."
Geer laughs. "Unless, of course, humans evolve into a race that no longer wants to be gently amused, feel sweet satisfaction, hear eloquent debate from characters of all walks of life, or simply have a wonderful romp in the Forest of Arden."
On one level, "As You Like It" was clearly intended by Shakespeare to be a simple and amusing diversion. But on a somewhat deeper level, the play provides opportunities for its main characters to discuss a host of subjects - including love, aging, the natural world and death - from their particular points of view.
$20.00 - $28.00
310-455-3723
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