Rollick in the merriest and most spirited spectacle of the holiday season.
Dueling musicians, wine-drenched debauchery, depressive noblemen, idiots and veteran jesters, religious zealots and erotic misunderstandings turn Shakespeare's text into clear, funny, and vibrant theater in this award-winning, raucous crowd-pleaser, set to a Balkan-inspired score performed by members of West Philadelphia Orchestra.
Alternately absurd and heartfelt, Twelfth Night, or What You Will is replete with practical jokes, gender confusion, and mistaken identity. Girl washes up on beach, disguises herself as boy. Girl, disguised as boy, falls in love with Duke. Woos lady on behalf of Duke. Lady falls in love with girl-disguised-as-boy. Longing ensues. As does the imbibing of enormous quantities of alcohol, plus outrageously melodramatic breakdowns to “the saddest music in the world.”
"Best Shakespeare ever . . . goddamn hysterical." – The Onion A.V. Club
"A wild rumpus" – Philadelphia Inquirer
"Pure magic" – Philadelphia City Paper
(Premiered at the 2011 Fringe Festival.)
12/4 – 12/5 (Previews) $19
12/6 (Opening Night) $49
Prices vary by day – click on show dates for prices.
Pig Iron brings a cast of familiar faces including the return of Birgit Huppuch (Isabella, Live Arts Festival, 2008). With music by Rosie Langabeer (Cankerblossom, Live Arts Festival, 2010).
Previous Live Arts shows also include: Welcome to Yuba City (2009), Pay Up (2005).
Directed by Dan Rothenberg Text William Shakespeare
Appropriate for ages 15 and up.
