May 11, 2011 – The 7th Annual Redlands Shakespeare Festival starts tomorrow Thursday at 8 pm with an adaptation of William Shakespeare's first tragedy, Titus Andronicus. The festival will also present the comedies As You Like It and The Merchant of Venice.
Titus Andronicus is Shakespeare’s most violent and bloody play. In fact, it could be considered the horror film of The Bard’s time. On top of that, the Redlands Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director, Steven Sabel, has given his adaptation a theme of vampires. In this version, Emperor Titus and his fellow Romans are undead creatures of the night who prey upon lesser mortals and each other. “We tested the concept on audiences at a small theater in Los Angeles last fall. The show received rave reviews from all sectors; including multiple members of the press, so we decided to recreate it in grander scale on stage at the (Redlands) Bowl,” Saber said. “Some of the moments in Titus are a little frightening, so we decided it was best to warn parents to use discretion when deciding whether or not to bring their kids,” he added.
In turn, As You Like It has been adapted by Sabel with a cowboy setting, and The Merchant of Venice will be directed by Ron Milts as an Italian commedia’ del arte, with elaborate masks and brightly fashioned costumes.
The three plays will rotate from Thursday through Sunday at the Redlands Bowl outdoor amphitheater at 8 pm until May 29. (See calendar here.) There is no admission charge for the performance but a free-will offering is collected at intermission.
The Redlands Bowl Stage is located at 21 Grant St, in Redlands. More information at http://www.redlandsshakespearefestival.com
Comments