By Carly Aimi ’08
The 1960s and ’70s are a source of inspiration this spring for the Theater and Dance Department as the cast and crew of “As You Like It” embrace peace, love and the hippie spirit.
William Shakespeare’s famous comedy, known for its often-quoted line, “all the world’s a stage,” will be performed Tuesday, May 27 through Saturday May 31 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at the Yulman Theatre. The weekend performances will take place during ReUnion, when more than 1,000 guests are expected on campus.
Visiting Director Bill Ziskin, Schenectady High School theater teacher, is adding his own contemprary twist to the 17th century plot.
A pastoral comedy traditionally set in a garden and courthouse, “As You Like It” is about two young people falling in love and the obstacles they encounter while trying to consummate that love. In Ziskin’s 1960s and ’70s setting, the courtroom becomes a country club and the garden is a hippie commune.
Marc Tangvik ’09, who plays the lead male role, Orlando, said, “The play is filled with classic hits of the era, flower child references and even some minor drug use. Prepare to be groovified!”
The contemporary theme, Tangvik said, does nothing to mute the humor of “As You Like It.”“The hippie twist allows for a clearer understanding of the comedy. You’re guaranteed laughs and smiles throughout.”
In her first Shakespeare performance, Annora Brennan ’10 plays Rosalind, the female lead.
“Shakespeare is very different than other styles of theater, but I am really enjoying it,” Brennan said. “When you first work with Shakespeare, you realize the characters come out of the words. Some say it is the easiest to perform since Shakespeare gives you all that you need.”
William Finlay, chair of the Theater and Dance Department, characterizes Rosalind as “Shakespeare’s most complete woman character. It’s the only time a woman speaks one-third of the lines.”
Director Ziskin has a range of acting credits, including Albany’s Capital Repertory Theatre, the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont and the Saratoga Shakespeare Company. Most recently, he appeared as Leonato in the Saratoga Springs troupe’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
“Bill Ziskin works really well with everyone and encourages us to always ‘do it better.’ which motivates us as a cast to make sure every time we rehearse, it does improve,” Brennan said. “He knows so much about the play and Shakespeare in general, conversing with him about your character is always a pleasure.”
Other cast members include Rich Leahy ’08 as Jacques and Tony Morello ’09 as Touchstone. Leahy is the recent winner of the College’s first Hedda Hainebach Memorial Prize in Music and Theater.
Tickets for “As You Like It,” now on sale at the Yulman Theatre Box Office, are $10 general admission and $7 with Union College ID. For more information, call 388-6545.
Editor's note: Carly Aimi is an intern in the Office of Communications.