As You Like It review: the RSC's all-male escapade is a ravishing triumph, despite a prolonged technical difficulty on opening night. Director Daniel Evans delivers a visually stunning production that transforms Shakespeare's pastoral comedy into a gender-bending spectacle.
A Ravishing Staging with Stunning Visual Effects
The production's design is nothing short of breathtaking. Anisha Fields' set transitions from the severe, intimidating court of Duke Frederick to the verdant hills of Arden, which are so beautiful they verge on the voluptuous. Colin Richmond's black Elizabethan gowns, Puritan-like but flecked with ornament, are stunning, while Ryan Day's lighting design creates a chequered shadow-play in the early scenes.
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The court scenes are deliberately devoid of comedy or light, reflecting Duke Frederick's thuggery through slaps, shoves, and a magnificently constructed WWE-style wrestling match, complete with bunny girls keeping score. This stark contrast makes the escape to Arden all the more powerful.
Jonathan Groff and the All-Male Cast
Jonathan Groff, the US screen star and Broadway royalty, leads the cast with undeniable charisma. His portrayal of Rosalind (or rather, Ganymede) brings a fresh energy to the gender-bending role. The all-male concept adds layers of meaning to the play's exploration of identity and love.
The ensemble works seamlessly together, delivering Shakespeare's witty dialogue with clarity and verve. The physicality of the performances, particularly in the wrestling match, is impressive and adds a visceral thrill.
Technical Difficulties and Triumphs
Opening night faced a significant hurdle: a technical problem that paused the show for over an hour just before the big reveal of Arden. While this inevitably disrupted the breathtaking contrast between worlds, the production's vision remained beautifully intact. The cast and crew handled the situation with professionalism, and the audience's patience was rewarded with a memorable performance.
Key Takeaways
- Visual splendor: The set and costume designs are exquisite, creating a vivid contrast between court and forest.
- Strong performances: Jonathan Groff and the all-male cast deliver powerful, nuanced performances.
- Innovative direction: Daniel Evans' staging breathes new life into Shakespeare's classic comedy.
- Technical hiccup: Despite an hour-long delay, the production's magic shone through.
Comparison: Court vs. Arden
| Aspect | Court | Arden |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Severe, intimidating | Verdant, romantic |
| Visual Design | Black Elizabethan gowns, chequered shadows | Lush hills, voluptuous set |
| Physicality | Slaps, shoves, WWE-style wrestling | Playful, liberating |
| Emotional Tone | Oppressive, dark | Joyful, transformative |
FAQ
What is unique about the RSC's all-male production of As You Like It?
The all-male cast adds a layer of gender-bending intrigue, highlighting the play's themes of identity and disguise. Director Daniel Evans uses this concept to explore the fluidity of gender in a fresh, contemporary way.
Who stars in the production?
Jonathan Groff, known for his roles on Broadway and screen, leads the cast as Rosalind. The ensemble features a talented all-male group of actors.
What happened during the opening night performance?
A technical difficulty caused a pause of over an hour just before the transition to the Forest of Arden. Despite the delay, the production continued and received a positive reception.
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