Millikin University's School of Theatre and Dance is performing one of Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedies "As You Like It," April 6-9 in Albert Taylor Theatre inside Shilling Hall on Millikin's campus.
The romantic comedy touches on current topics, including exiled citizens, gender bending and various versions of love.
The story follows a young woman, Rosalind, as she is exiled to the woods. She has fallen in love with Orlando, a heroic figure from her hometown who later attempts to rescue her. Instead of accepting defeat in the woods, the young maiden, along with her best friend Celia, becomes resourceful by dressing as a man. Her suitor searches for her in the woods only to find Rosalind, who appears to him to be a man.
According to actress Kala Keller, a senior theatre major from Glendale Heights, Ill., the story covers different varieties of love. "The brothers' darker shades of love; the friendship love between Celia and Rosalind," said Keller.
The show is directed by Denise Myers, professor of theatre and dance at Millikin. Myers gave much of the creative control to student designers, including music, lighting, sets and costumes as well as the assistant director position.
The play remains a favorite among audiences and has been adapted for radio, film and musical theatre.
"Having this experience has been beneficial to us doing Shakespeare," said Meghan Bryan, a senior theatre major from Broadlands, Va.
"It starts out bad and awkward," said Jacob Shaffer, a junior theatre major from Murphysboro, Ill. "But it ends with everyone coming back into their rightful place in the world and finding the love they deserve."
Click here to read more about the production in an article from the Herald & Review.
