The Starving Artists Shakespeare Company, created just for this
show, will put the complete, abridged, works of Shakespeare at the
Community Playhouse in just two short hours.
The Starving Artists Shakespeare Company, created just for this show, will put the complete, abridged, works of Shakespeare at the Community Playhouse in just two short hours.
“Two of us are from the area and the other is from South San Jose,” said Peter Svensson
The performance is set to open tonight and will continue July 12, 18 and 19. All shows will begin at 8 p.m.
This play will bring in all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays. Not all of them, however, will receive equal time. Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, two plays that have some of the most well known lines, will have the most time spent to them, but all 37 will be mentioned by the end of the evening.
All of Shakespeare’s plays are long and drawn out five-act performances, while most contemporary performances will only have two. The performers describe it as a silly rendition of Shakespeare. They will do scenes that can be done by three performers.
There are three performers – Sean Fruit, 21, Scott Ludwig, 20 and Svensson, 19 – in the company and all three will be acting out the parts required.
“Just like in the classic Shakespeare style, we will play the women’s roles,” said Svensson.
Svensson and Ludwig both have had experience in theater through college. In fact, the idea from the play came while Svensson was reading the script. He, along with Fruit, both attended Live Oak High School and acted in the drama program.
Ludwig has had experience pesenting an abridged version of Shakespeare. He acted and performed in 15 Hamlet performnces while in high school.
Svensson encourages anyone to come and watch the show. According to him, understanding Shakespeare’s plays is not necessary to enjoy the performance.
“Even if Romeo and Juliet went over your head, this play will not.”
Parents should show a little discretion when brining younger audiences. Svensson describes it as a “PG-13” play.
This is the first time the company will be performing, and it could be the last. Svensson says that this is a way for them to make money for college.
“This is our first and only show, he said. “We may do this again next year, but right now we’re just planning for this one.”
Tickets cost $12 and can be obtained by either going on line at http://shakespeare.livinglegend.net or go to the Morgan Hill Community Center at Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road.
