Twelfth Night begins in a storm, as Viola is shipwrecked on the island of Illyria. Believing her twin brother drowned at sea, she survives by disguising herself as a man and serving Duke Orsino by delivering his love messages to the Countess Olivia. Viola slowly falls in love with Orsino, while Olivia falls for Viola’s male alter-ego ‘Cesario’. Meanwhile, Olivia's prudish and strict butler Malvolio is tricked into loving Olivia by her drunken cousin Toby, his hapless friend Lady Andrea, and witty maid Maria. All the plots crash together when Viola's twin brother Sebastian appears. And all this watched over by Feste, the musician.
Set in the roar of the 1920s, with its joyous opulence and indulgence, our version of Twelfth Night mingles themes of joy and sorrow, fantasy and reality, and kindness and cruelty into a beautiful, mature play about unrequited love, disguise, madness, and the exploration of gender identity. Viewers will see their lived experiences reflected onstage as the characters fall in (and out) of love, overcome grief and hardship, manage cruelty and bullying, and discover the identity of their true selves.
One of Shakespeare's most famous and beloved romantic comedies, the play is a blend of high comedy and thrilling drama designed to entertain, delight, and inspire. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance so the audience can engage in an art installation that reflects Twelfth Night’s themes and artistic elements. This thematic display extends the world of the play beyond the confines of the stage. Following each performance, the audience is invited to participate in a talkback with the cast.
Tickets:
- $15 General
- $10 Students / Seniors
- $5 Highschool
Box Office: 519-888-4908
Location: Theatre of Arts, Modern Languages Building University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo
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