Hart House Theatre presents William Shakespeare's Popular Comedy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Opening November 4, Hart House Theatre is pleased to present William Shakespeare's widely adorEd Battle of the sexes, Much Ado About Nothing. Directed by recent graduate of the National Theatre School, Carly Chamberlain, and starring a cast of trained, young performers, Much Ado About Nothing promises to deliver classic theatre with a youthful flair and the high calibre production style for which Hart House Theatre is known.

The war is over! Or is it? The soldiers may be returning, but between Benedick and Beatrice, the battle is just beginning. William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a lively showdown between the sexes with missed connections and romantic hijinks. Despite obstacles of all sorts and the meddling of some quirky characters, truth and honesty wins the day with love conquering all.

Carly Chamberlain We are pleased to welcome back Director Carly Chamberlain. Fresh from her graduation from the National Theatre School, Carly first made her mark on Hart House Theatre as a director in our 2013/2014 Season with her incredible work on Anne-Marie Macdonald's award-winning play, Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet). Lauded then for her crisp, clear direction and strong choices, we look forward to seeing how she guides the warring lovers of this text. When asked for her thoughts on on the timeline for this production, Carly had this to say:

"We've set the play in the 1940s, post World War II. I see this as an incredibly fruitful jumping off point for a number of reasons. There is so much tension in the play about the choice to stay independent versus the choice to marry. World War II saw women take on new roles in the workforce and gain more agency, but when the war came to an end a kind of social conflict was created. Was this new independence temporary? Should we all go back to valuing family lives above all? How much choice do we have in the matter? This moment of change serves as the subtle background for our story: where young people grapple with their ideas of love and marriage versus the realities, for better and for worse...

I see this ultimately as a story about hiding and being seen. What happens when our bravado and social masks get in the way of any true connection? Can we risk being really seen in the name of love? It's a story that I think 20 and 30 somethings (but really everyone) can relate to: young people reaching a point of having to ask, 'Ok, who do I really want to be? How do I really want to live?'

Also with lots of funny and silly stuff and smashing 1940s outfits and dancing."

Tasked with creating the post-WWII world where hope and love can thrive are three celebrated designers: the incredible design team of Adriana Bogaard (set and costume), André du Toit (lighting) and Andy Trithardt (sound).

For tickets call 416.978.8849 and visit www.uofttix.ca.

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