On October 27th and 28th, thespians in grades 9 and 10 took the stage to perform Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors. However, this play wasn’t your average take on Shakespeare. Swords were traded for pool noodles, traditional Renaissance attire was exchanged for circus-esque costumes, and subdued Shakespearean sets became vibrant and neon. All in all, great hilarity ensued!
A Comedy of Errors, which was first performed in 1594, is known for being one of William Shakespeare’s shortest and most farcical plays. The play follows two sets of twins who create web confusion and deceit because their identities are constantly mistaken. One of the play’s most notable aspects is its intense use of slapstick comedy. Physical behaviors were exaggerated, situations that seem improbable were brought to the stage, and any limits on physical comedy and witty humor were surpassed.
The show was directed by Interim Upper School Theater Teacher, Keith Contreas-Mcdonald. McDonald explained in an email that he “chose A Comedy Errors because it is one of the most succinct, clever, and funny storytelling in all of Shakespeare.” However, McDonald didn’t want to take the traditional route when directing the play. His vision was to “ground [A Comedy of Errors] in the design aesthetic of Beach Barbie meets the Circus.” Hence, the bright costumes and wacky props. McDonald also saw this obscure theme as an opportunity to appeal to several demographics. McDonald said, “This play and the way we approached it as a theatrical team made it fun for all ages.”
Assistant costume designer Madeline Gross 27’ explained her job “[could] range from sewing and cutting costumes to helping out backstage.” Gross shares her perspective on the fresh take of the work, relating that “Shakespeare has such complex language and such out-there plots that you can do something as chaotic as a Barbie-clown theme for a show made hundreds of years ago and it still works.”
Dorotea Sabbagh 27’, who starred in the play as Adrianna, said that she joined the play because “over the years, [she’s] built a community of friends through theater and wanted to spend time with them.”
McDonald expressed he was “ most proud that [the] actors rose to the challenge [he] set out for them; to live truthfully on stage, inside heightened language, and entertain a diverse audience.”
