Bollywood-Inspired TWELFTH NIGHT Continues at Shakespeare in the Park, Thru 5/27

A Bollywood-inspired TWELFTH NIGHT will be presented by Free Shakespeare in the Park.  Featuring new music by Austin singer/songwriter Naga Valli, Austin Shakespeare welcomes young and old to a Bollywood-inspired production of one of Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedies: Twelfth Night; or What You Will!

Now in its 28th season of offering Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Twelfth Night is the story of Viola, a young girl disguised as the boy servant Caesario in the fantastic world of Illyia who falls head over heels in love with her master, Duke Orsino, as he sends her to Olivia woo for him, the woman he loves. The story is also well-known for the silliest of meanies, Malvolio, who is tricked into wearing a distinctively unusual outfit to also woo his mistress Olivia.

The show features dance moves by acclaimed Austin choreographer, Prakash Mohandas. Two guest artists from Washington DC top the cast with Mary Candler as Viola and Rafael Untalan as Orsino. Both are recent Master of Fine Arts graduates of the renowned Academy of Classical Acting from The Shakespeare Theater, Washington DC.

"Bollywood is now a beloved part of our culture. Young people are especially delighted by its music and dance," explained Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella. Twelfth Night was also titled by Shakespeare What You Will and we embrace that sense of delight and mayhem in our Bollywood costumes and sets!"

Presented through May 27, 2012, Thursdays - Sundays at 8 pm at Zilker Hillside Theatre, next to Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park.

For 28 years, audiences of Austinites and tourists have brought blankets and low chairs to sit on the grassy hillside and enjoy Austin Shakespeare's FREE productions at the spacious Zilker Hillside Theatre. At intermission, actors circulate among the audience requesting donations.

Refreshments of food and drink are available for purchase. Visit Appu's Indian Food Cart for delicious Indian food and the Austin Shakespeare Concessions Stand for drinks and snacks.

The Cast Includes:

Orsino, Duke of Illyria Rafael Untalan*
Sebastian, twin to Viola Johann-RoBert Wood
Antonio, a sea captain Aaron D. Alexander
Valentine, gentleman attending on the Duke Johann-RoBert Wood
Curio, gentleman attending on the Duke David J. Boss
Sir Toby Belch, uncle to Olivia Rick Roemer*
Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a foolish knight Philip Kreyche
Malvolio, steward to Olivia Michael Dalmon
Fabian, servant to Olivia David J. Boss
Feste, a clown Sam Mercer
Olivia, a rich countess Jennifer Gravenstein
Viola, twin sister to Sebastian Mary Candler*
Maria, Olivia's gentlewoman Jill K. Swanson
Singer Sangeetha Ekambaram
* member, Actors' Equity

The Creative Team Features:

Costumes Jonathan Heibert
Sets Ia Enstera
Lights Jason Amato
Music Naga Valli
Choreography Prakash Mohandas