By Chris Rincon/reporter
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, a parody of the Bard’s famous plays, will close the NE Campus fall theater season in the theater this week.
The production features many of Shakespeare’s famous works, done in a shortened fashion with a comical, sometimes frenetic twist.
Performances are Wednesday–Saturday, Nov. 28-Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. in the NFAB theater.
Jaime Castaneda, adjunct instructor of drama and director of the play, said The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged does poke fun of Shakespeare’s plays in a comical way.
But the play is also a celebration of his work, Castaneda said.
Featured plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello and Titus Andronicus.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company, a three-man comedy troupe from California, originated the idea for the play.
Castaneda said the format is half improvisation and half scripting and will be interactive with the audience.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company, according to its Web site (www.reducedshakespeare.com), “is known for taking long, serious subjects and reducing them into short, sharp comedies.”
Wayne Floyd, an actor starring in the NE production, said the group has been rehearsing about 20 hours a week in anticipation of this play.
“ It’s a really interesting show geared toward people who know about Shakespeare,” he said. “And even if they don’t know [Shakespeare’s plays], it will be entertaining.”
Sarah McCracken, also in the play, said the group rehearsed during the week and weekends to get ready for the presentation.
“ If people like Shakespeare or know Shakespeare, they will like this play,” she said.
During intermissions, audience members will hear the music department perform an assortment of jazz pieces including three new works written by Edward Perez, NE assistant professor of music.
Admission to this production is free. For reservations, call 817-515-6684.
The Saturday performance is part of the NE Campus Shakespeare Festival, a full day (2-10 p.m.) of opera, poetry, music, dance and theater.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged
NE Campus
Showtimes: Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m.
Box Office: 817-515-6687
All performances of this production are Free for everyone.
