Open Shakespeare Season - Southwark Playhouse
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
A SEASON of Open Shakespeare, Malvolio and His Masters and Hamlet, the Outsider, runs in rep at Southwark Playhouse from May 23 to June 10, 2006.
Both plays examine the politics and language of power and spin while telling the story of men who are ruled by their dreams and imagination.
So, while this results in Malvolio being made to look stupid and threatening revenge in return, Hamlet, whose inner life is so strong, is unable to make contact with others – not even his girlfriend and mother. Only by dying does he find peace in the world around him.
The two plays will be directed by John Russell Brown who has pursued a radical approach to working with Shakespeare through extended periods directing productions in India and Germany. For 15 years, he was an Associate Director of the National Theatre.
The cast for both plays will include Karen Archer, Jack Klaff, Edward Clarke, Matthew Field, Emma Fildes and Al Weaver, all of whom have appeared recently in RSC/National Theatre productions; and Justin Avoth who recently appeared as Cassio in the RSC’s Othello directed by Greg Doran.
Under John Russell Brown’s direction, attention will be focused on the actors whose free and open performances will put both plays, (taken from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Hamlet) under the microscope.
Hamlet, the Outsider will be performed: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 7.30pm and Saturdays at 3pm.
Malvolio and His Masters will be performed: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7.30pm.
Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes, no interval
Tickets: £12, £8 concessions, £6 previews (23 and 24 May) and Mondays.
For further information call the box office on 08700 601 761 or visit the website.