“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Don’t be fooled. This isn’t just Shakespeare. In May, the Lowther is set to host a double feature with none of the constraints of traditional theatre. The productions of Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet will be groundbreaking in their approach towards gender-blindness.
The view of diversity and inclusion is ever changing. It is this fact that provides the inspiration for the modernisation of these classic roles. Merely Theatre, in association with Production Exchange and funded by Arts Council England, believe strongly in gender-blind within theatre. In response, they have produced two astounding works by Shakespeare where original character gender may or may not be reversed. Actors are placed in male-female pairs and rehearse both roles. Throughout the run, there will be a variety of combinations of actors playing various roles. The company feel that this generates twice the number of ideas for how to play a role. It also allows for a revival of repertory theatre, not in its previous iteration, but evolved.
Artistic Director- Scott Ellis says of the Merely Theatre group, “It’s an exhilarating way to work. We are doing raw, pure Shakespeare, the kind people get swept in and excited by.”
The text focused and yet irreverent performances promise an interesting perspective on traditional texts. Make time to check it out as the production arrives on May 22-23 2017 at Lowther Pavilion. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information or to book tickets visit lowtherpavilion.co.uk
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