Shakespeare Stripped (2016) - Director's Notes
For some people who, like me, grew up watching Disney movies, we were always told that true love comes in the form of a perfect prince or princess. We were told that love is easy to find and easier to maintain. Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, and Romeo and Juliet fit so well within the framework of this unique variety show because they provide such sharp commentary on love's true essence. For most of us, like Viola, Juliet, and Beatrice, it's a little bit complicated, a little bit scary, and a little bit crazy. These amazing characters have taught me that loving another human being is an immensely courageous and rewarding act. You have to strip away the fronts, the masks, and the doubts. You have to be brave, and the bravest thing you can do is to just be yourself. Being a small part of this show has been such a privilege for me for many reasons. First, I would like to thank the incredibly talented actors in this show for bringing such life and energy to this production. The success of this show is a direct product of your incredible dedication. I want to send a special thank you to my mentor, Scott Jackson, for his commitment to preserving Shakespeare's works on this campus and for teaching me the value of honesty. Lastly, I want to extend the sincerest of thanks to my dear friend, co-producer, and this show's Executive Director. Devon Gonzalez, you are a masterpiece, and I will always be proud of what we accomplished with this show and with this company.
– Jack Fazzino, Much Ado About Nothing
Twelfth Night is a romantic, whimsical and moving story with many secrets and adventures. Each character goes through a great deal of inner struggle and conflicts before finally making the discovery of truth and happiness. Viola has the most tumultuous search for her identity, which is changed and redefined many times throughout the play; Duke Orsino struggles with his unprosperous pursuit of Olivia and his confusing fond of ‘Cesario’... It has been an interesting experience for me to bring these conflicts and struggle on stage with a group of talented people. We created each protagonist’s journey to what he or she really wants as well as the ups and downs along the way. Also, thinking about Twelfth Night’s subtitle: What you Will, I found it intriguing to work on how the characters’ conflicts and personalities relate to their “will” and the approach they take to realize it.
– Ziyu Cui, Twelfth Night
This telling of Romeo and Juliet, aims to highlight Juliet’s often overlooked story. By only showing her point of view throughout the course of events, it emphasizes the point of view of a young girl that has fallen in love and highlights the relationship between Juliet and her nurse. To show this relationship, as the storyline spirals out of control with Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s subsequent banishment, Juliet’s descent into depression is recognized and remedied by her nurse, not Friar Lawrence. Hopefully this different telling of a familiar story will be cause for reflection as it highlights new perspectives and storylines.
– Michael Vaclav, Romeo and Juliet
– Jack Fazzino, Much Ado About Nothing
Twelfth Night is a romantic, whimsical and moving story with many secrets and adventures. Each character goes through a great deal of inner struggle and conflicts before finally making the discovery of truth and happiness. Viola has the most tumultuous search for her identity, which is changed and redefined many times throughout the play; Duke Orsino struggles with his unprosperous pursuit of Olivia and his confusing fond of ‘Cesario’... It has been an interesting experience for me to bring these conflicts and struggle on stage with a group of talented people. We created each protagonist’s journey to what he or she really wants as well as the ups and downs along the way. Also, thinking about Twelfth Night’s subtitle: What you Will, I found it intriguing to work on how the characters’ conflicts and personalities relate to their “will” and the approach they take to realize it.
– Ziyu Cui, Twelfth Night
This telling of Romeo and Juliet, aims to highlight Juliet’s often overlooked story. By only showing her point of view throughout the course of events, it emphasizes the point of view of a young girl that has fallen in love and highlights the relationship between Juliet and her nurse. To show this relationship, as the storyline spirals out of control with Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s subsequent banishment, Juliet’s descent into depression is recognized and remedied by her nurse, not Friar Lawrence. Hopefully this different telling of a familiar story will be cause for reflection as it highlights new perspectives and storylines.
– Michael Vaclav, Romeo and Juliet