In timely fashion UNCG’s School of Theatre presents “Shakespeare In Love,” directed by Associate Professor of Theatre John Gulley. The show opens Feb. 15 at Taylor Theatre.
In the story, young Will Shakespeare suffers from writer’s block, but then meets the beautiful Viola, who has a burning desire to star in his next play. Shakespeare falls deeply in love with Viola, which inspires him to write his greatest work.
“It’s about the process of creation – how magical and messy the creative process is – and how Shakespeare may have stumbled upon the idea for Romeo and Juliet,” says Gulley.
Gulley says the play, adapted from the screen in-part by Tom Stoppard, is a “wise play,” that offers clever asides to theatre people and Shakespeare people. But it’s also an entertaining glimpse into Renaissance life and literature for the unindoctrinated. Finally, it’s a relatable coming of age story, in which the young writer is transformed by life experience and ultimately becomes a better writer because of it.
Gulley said the production offered great opportunities for students to engage in dramaturgy and increase their knowledge of Renaissance literature and history. Professor of English and Renaissance scholar Christopher Hodgkins served as an advisor to the cast throughout their process.
School of Music faculty member Dominick Amendum serves as music director for the production and School of Theatre faculty members Jim Wren, Erin Speer, and Christine Morris were advisors for stage combat, dance, and dialect, respectively. A guest designer, Ryan Moller created costumes.
Performances on Feb. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 17 holds a 2 p.m. matinee performance.
To purchase tickets, call 336.334.4392 or stop by the Taylor Theatre located on 406 Tate St. Tickets are available online at triadstage.org/tickets.
On Feb. 15, a pre-show panel discussion with leading Shakespeare scholars will celebrate UNCG’s new membership in the American Shakespeare Center Consortium. See story here for details.
There will also be a special UNCG Backstage event for high schoolers on Feb. 23. The Backstage package includes $5 tickets to a special 1:00 p.m. show on that date, a tour of the School of Theatre before or after the show, and a post-show talk-back with School of Theatre faculty. To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Group Sales at (336) 334-4015 or grpsales@uncg.edu.
