Twelfth Night, which is one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies, tells the story of a young woman Viola who is separated from her twin Sebastian. She believes him to be dead. She dresses as a boy and works with Duke Orsino who she falls in love with. Orsina is in love with Countess Olivia and sends Viola to court her for him. Olivia falls for Viola instead. Sebastian turns up causing a flood of mistaken identity and marries Olivia. Viola the reveals she is a girl and marries Orsina.
The play is extremely relevant to today as it tackles questions of identity, gender and sexuality. It is a philosophical and poetic examination of love and madness, longing and loss. It intrigues through disguise, duality and deception and it is deeply satisfying in its final revelation.
The Artiscape spoke with Lucy Ireland about her role in the play.
What are you looking forward to about performing in Twelfth Night?
Ireland: I’m so excited to be performing in a Shakespeare play! I’m very much used to doing musicals and pantomimes so far in my career, so this is something completely different for me. I know it’s going to be a challenge because the text is so different, but I’m very much ready to take it on and can’t wait to get started. I’m also excited to be working with such a lovely cast and creative team, as we’ve had the best time in rehearsals putting it all together.
How does this production differ from other Shakespearian plays you have performed in?
Ireland: I don’t have that much experience of Shakespeare myself, but I have seen many Shakespeare plays, and I would say the main difference is the integral use of music in our production. All of us play and sing (and dance!) throughout – and I really believe it aids the story! It also helps keep up the pace, as we have a slightly shortened version of the show due to the light outside, and so it helps us keep up the energy and fun throughout.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Ireland: I play Viola, a noblewoman, who is shipwrecked in an unknown land. She decides to hide her identity and become the character Cesario for the majority of the play, as she believes her brother, Sebastian, is dead – and so she embodies him through her disguise. I won’t spoil the ending but if you know the story, it has a lot of different themes – mistaken identity and unrequited love to name a few, which quickly become very interesting! It’s been really enjoyable so far discovering the moments where I can allow Viola to slip out whilst still maintaining my outward Cesario disguise – I’ve found the music helps with this too.
What are the challenges you face in performing this play outdoors instead of inside a theatre?
Ireland: The biggest difference I’ve found is playing to the audience. In the theatre, usually, you have a microphone, so you don’t have to include the audience in everything as the sound tech helps tell your story. In our production, EVERYTHING is to the audience. If you don’t speak to them, they lose you and what you’re saying. Obviously there are other challenges, such as noise pollution, tricky terrain in the squares (as we perform in a different venue each day) and the heat! But these are obstacles I’m sure we’ll overcome once we get into the swing of it.
What do think an audience will enjoy about this production of Twelfth Night?
Ireland: I think there are several things our audiences will enjoy – Being able to sit outside and be entertained on a sunny evening, having the actors perform directly to them, the music, how light heartened and funny the show is, and I guess seeing that we’re having just as much fun as they are. All in all, I think our audiences are going to love our production.
To book tickets for Shakespeare in the Parks, Twelfth Night click this link.
