The stage props were a large wooden trunk, two milk crate-size wooden boxes with lids containing flowers, a small box of “medicine,” candles and other small props, one white sheet, a variety of musical instruments, six chairs, two ladies and four men. It could have been a grim scene of the sinking ship of the Titanic, staging inspirations for a Crime Scene Investigations TV episode, or a view of the aftermath of a heavy metal band’s concert party. Actually, these were the elements of each scene and its inventive props used for one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, Cymbeline and performed by the New York City based Fiasco Theater Company. The performances were held on February 2, 3, and 4 in the Reynolds Theater and presented by Duke Performances in Durham, North Carolina.
The evening was a chance to witness and experience “the ultimate role for actors” and performances by theatrical professionals showcasing their talents as musicians, including a cappella harmonies and songs, action-filled physical performances, which were the result of the riggers and discipline of performing Shakespeare’s lines before a live audience. The creativity of the interchanging use of simple and movable props in the scenes, combined with the choreography of music, high caliber acting, and integration of Shakespeare’s raw and sophisticated storylines, was the epitome of imagination used at its best for a theatrical production. This masterful performance with talented and energetic actors was exhilarating to watch, and Shakespeare’s ingenious storylines in Cymeline ignited the mind with emotion, comedy, and drama.
The play was fast paced with varied rich content and themes. Six performers and add two, three, or four more characters was the equation of the actors that played multiple roles in Cymbeline’s scenes. The storyline involves, according to the press release, “Imogene, daughter of the king, and Posthumus, an orphan and commoner. With their romance condemned by the king, they face deceit, subterfuge, and betrayal as they wind their way through the elaborate plot to realize their love. The play becomes a wild ride of (emotions) that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.” It was fascinating to watch the actors take on the challenges of portraying differentiating nuances of each character without makeup and minimal costume change in a blink of the audience’s eyes, right there on stage. It was a feat that could impress Houdini. The fight scene of the “armies” battling played out by six actors could rival computer graphic technical works - well, sort of. If you can experience the scene firsthand, seeing is believing.
The comedy and punch lines were delivered abundantly and could be easily missed in the intertwined plot if the audience was not used to Shakespeare’s dialogue. Yet the quintessential styling of Shakespeare’s comedy was easier to understand with the Fiasco Theater actors’ talents, their interpretations, and creative production. It was a night to remember to get a glimpse of New York City’s theater culture and the memories still lingers.
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