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Taffety Punk's Bootleg version of LOVE'S LABOURS LOST promised to be a show full of action and excitement. On both counts it did not disappoint.
And the best part? The show was absolutely free.
Directed by Lise Bruneau, this one-night-only showing had a line waiting on standby for more than an hour before the show began. The anticipation was palpable as soon as you stepped inside the magnificent Folger Theatre.
The concept is simple: each actor had been given a month's time in which to memorize his or her own lines. The Players then got together for the day of the show only to rehearse for the performance that evening. This set up gave what could have been just another Shakespeare rendition a sense of freshness and vitality. The audience was taken on a journey to discover this play with the actors for the first time. Every slip of a line, every stage change and action sequence gave the audience a jolt of vigor, confirming that this was indeed a show being put on only for them.
The story itself begins with the King of Navarre and three young noblemen who swear off women in favor of three years of study. Soon thereafter, the princess of France and three of her Ladies come to the kingdom. Instantly, each of the young men fall in love and try comically to pursue their interests. Several subplots also occur simultaneously, including one about a boisterous Spaniard Don Adriano de Armado, played superbly by Eric Hissom, who attempts to gain the affections of a flirtatious woman named Jaquenetta, played effectively by Victoria Reinsel.
For those audience members who did not know the text of LOVE'A LABOURS LOST intimately, many more obvious forms of comedy were used. Absurd accents, amusing costumes, and modern allusions made the show an enjoyable experience for all. At one point there was an actor in a bear costume, another in a cowboy hat, and a third using a cardboard sword. The effect could be jarring at times, but succeeded in keeping the audience's interest through the potentially less accessible puns and literary allusions.
While every actor's performance was strong, several stood out: Shawn Fagan, who played Berowne, was a treat to listen to. His lines rang with passion and interest, the dedication to his character obvious from the onset. Also Kimberly Gilbert, who played Moth, was particularly enchanting with her youthful wit and her razor sharp timing. Some actors like Matt Wilson, who played Holofernes, played an exaggerated character, providing easy humor while other actors, such as Tonya Beckman, who played the princess of France, added a finer, subtler comedy. The balance and cohesion among The Players was surprising, given the short rehearsal time. Each actor brought something special to the stage.
Although there will not be another showing of this particular production, which in some ways is part of the appeal of the experience, a show like this certainly sparks interest in what other events Taffety Punk is putting on. For a theatre company whose goal is to "make theatre exciting, meaningful and affordable," Bootleg Shakespeare delivers in every way.
Ran one night only on August 5, 2013 at Folger Theatre, 201 East Capital Street SE
For tickets and information about other Taffety Punk Shows visit: http://www.taffetypunk.com
Photo credit to Marcus Kyd
