UCSB Theater/Dance to Present EQUIVOCATION, 5/23-31

Prepare to be enchanted in this spectacle of a show, Bill Cain's, 2009 drama, Equivocation. Cain writes this daring masterpiece of a complex period involving the famed William Shakespeare. An erudite scholar and playwright of the time period, Cain delves into a clever yet intelligent fictional story, based on historical events. Directed by UCSB's own, Professor of Theater and Director of the BFA Actor Training Program, Irwin Appel, this intelligent play is about bonding friendship and commitment to each other, focusing on what lasts. This cinematic, dramatic show includes hangings and beheadings, demanding yet creating, a magnificent work of art.

Equivocation focuses on the historical event of the infamous Gunpowder plot. While historical, the government's version of the story is regarded as a myth, and Equivocation provides a plausible alternative. The Gunpowder plot involves angry Roman Catholics who tunneled under English Parliament in an attempt to blow up and execute King James I. The focal point of the play is William Shakespeare, and his obligation to create a propaganda play depicting the Gunpowder plot, based on the King's outlandish demands. The story follows Shakespeare as he investigates the plot and grows distressed at the thought of creating propaganda for King James. The result is a sharp masterpiece that is charming and invigorating.

Irwin Appel chooses to direct this play because of the high caliber of talent in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program. All but one of the six actors cast, is a BFA student. Appel wanted to challenge the actors to recreate the best play he had ever seen, and he is deeply passionate about the story, and is certain the audience will love it too. It is a relatively new production, and makes its debut in Santa Barbara. The BFA students at UCSB are meticulously trained in movement, voice, and language. Equivocation requires the high energy and passion of the young cast, radiating to the audience and captivating them. The six-member cast plays a total of seventeen characters in the play, and working with such a small cast is amazingly complicated and challenging. Appel is exceedingly pleased with the students' enthusiasm to step up to the plate and embrace the creation of this ambitious spectacle.

Equivocation performs May 23-31, 2014 in the UCSB Hatlen Theater. Tickets are available online at www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu and by phone at 805.893.7221. Visit the Theater & Dance website for more details: www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu.

Photo by David Bazemore