SYNOPSIS
As You Like It - Old Vic Theatre
Appearing alongside “The Tempest” as part of the Old Vic’s “The Bridge Project”, now in its third year, “As You Like It” makes another anticipated appearance on the stage. Hailed as a Shakespearean classic and starring the likes of Stephen Dillane, Christian Camargo and Juliet Rylance under the direction of Sam Mendes, it is likely to be a special event for audiences visiting the Old Vic in 2010.
As well as those mentioned, the play will also feature the performing talents of Ashlie Atkinson, Jenni Barber, Michelle Beck, Edward Bennett, Ron Cephas Jones Alvin Epstein, Jonathan Fried, Richard Hansell, Aaron Krohn, Anthony O’Donnell, Thomas Sadoski, Michael Thomas and Ross Waiton.
“As You Like It” focuses on the plight of two young lovers who flee to the Forest of Arden to let their feelings flourish. We are introduced to Rosalind and Orlando, two young people who are fearful of their standing in court, concerned for their life if their relationship becomes known to all. So to be together without the fear of death they disguise themselves and head out into the Forest of Arden where an array of occurrences cement the forest as a location where things do not go according to plan. Amongst the games of love and lust under the canopy of trees, they fall victim to a case of mistaken identity and learn more about themselves and others. It seems that in Arden, where sexual stereotypes are subverted and conventions discarded, there is someone else from Rosalind’s past that will make her see things in a new light.
Shakespeare’s Romantic Comedy has been appearing on stages in the UK and beyond since as early as 1599, meaning that it has been around for more than 400 years. Though there are disagreements concerning the precise year the play was first witnessed for an audience, it was bound to paper in 1623’s “First Folio” and has survived ever since, cementing the phrase “All the world’s stage” and appearing on screen and in film.
It will be directed for the Old Vic by Sam Mendes, the theatre and film director who has helmed “The Bridge Project” previously, whilst also directing movies such as “American Beauty”, “Jarhead”, “Revolutionary Road” and “Away We Go”.
“As You Like It” appears alongside “The Tempest” as part of “The Bridge Project” at the Old Vic from Saturday 12th June 2010 to Saturday 21st August 2010.
