A wide array of works is almost always on display at Winthrop University. This fall will bring some great performances from the theatre department, but a special performance will also take place in Winthrop’s outdoor amphitheater. Shakespeare Carolina will present William Shakespeare’s ”Twelfth Night.” This production will be unlike any before, with a new setting, new prologue and reinvented characters.
The classic tale of “Twelfth Night” combines love, confusion and joyful discovery. While the original play is set after a shipwreck on the fictional island of Illyria, this production will take place after a plane crash. This is just one of the ways that Shakespeare Carolina plans to put their own spin on these classic plays.
Tom Ollis, the director of “Twelfth Night,” describes his production as “Lost meets Gilligan’s Island.” He is setting his production in the South Pacific. The prologue will establish this new environment and it will be as if the souls of the original characters in “Twelfth Night” possess new counterparts.
He states that every character has been reimagined to look like they may be more modern.
Though there is a new environment in this production, the play will still include the dramatic-comedy that typically ensues. Orcino, a prominent character, has now been reimagined as the Duke of Rock and Roll. Dervin Gilbert plays Orcino in the show.
He has had several roles in various productions of Shakespeare, but this is his first with Shakespeare Carolina. His rehearsal method involves doing actual research of Shakespearean words in his script. “When you really dissect it you get to a deeper level,” said Gilbert, “which then makes it seem even more genius.” In addition to acting on the stage, Gilbert’s musical skills will be on display as his character has to play the guitar.
Since Shakespeare Carolina productions are produced by Winthrop Professor Chris O’Neill, there are opportunities for Winthrop students to get involved in their productions.
Sophomore theatre major Chloe Verholland is stage managing “Twelfth Night.” When asked about how Shakespeare Carolina affects her Winthrop experience, Verholland said, “It’s great practice for theatre education majors because I will most likely be directing shows for my students in the future.”
The play will be performed at Winthrop’s outdoor amphitheater which adds a whole new level to the environment of the set. As a warning, there are no actual seats in the amphitheater, so one may benefit from bringing their own lawn chair or blanket to put on the grass. The play will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8 and performances will begin at 8 p.m. The play will also count as a cultural event, so it is an easy way for students, particularly freshmen, to get cultural credit and enjoy a night of live theatre! Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased online or at the amphitheater box office.