Bell Shakespeare returns to Griffith Regional Theatre on Friday 23 August to present William Shakespeare’s timeless comic gem – Much Ado About Nothing .
Much Ado About Nothing is a saucy and razor-sharp battle of wits between the bickering Beatrice and Benedick, who wield words as weapons, their banter betraying their love for one another.
Director James Evans (Julius Caesar) is thrilled to steer Bell Shakespeare’s 2019 national tour.
He said, “Much Ado About Nothing is the original ‘from hate to love’ romantic comedy that we’ve seen repeated in films and plays since Shakespeare’s time. But beneath its sparkling wit and hilarious characters, there is a dark conflict that drives this play to the edge of tragedy.
“The story flips from uproarious comedy to utter heartbreak in an instant, and then back again. That is the genius of Shakespeare, and why this play is one of my absolute favourites.”
This contemporary production will be a powerful exploration of the struggle for identity and self-knowledge in a male-dominated world.
Manager of Griffith Regional Theatre, Raina Savage, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Deakin University to present this fabulous production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. It is so important for young people in regional areas to have access to quality contemporary interpretations of these classic works. We are grateful for Deakin University’s ongoing support as our Youth Drama Sponsor.”
Ms Savage said, “Bell Shakespeare will also be offering local high school students the opportunity to participate in free regional access workshops before the performance and to audition for the John Bell Scholarship.”
Zindzi Okenyo (Antony and Cleopatra) stars as Beatrice in the production, with Duncan Ragg as Benedick. They will be joined on stage by Vivienne Awosoga, Danny Ball, Marissa Bennett, Mandy Bishop, Will McDonald, Suzanne Pereira, Paul Reichstein and David Whitney.
Bell Shakespeare’s Executive Director Gill Perkins said, “As Australia’s national theatre company, our commitment is to make our work available to all Australians, including those outside capital cities. “Our national tour is one of the most important things we do in pursuit of this mission and we are thrilled to present Much Ado About Nothing to Australians in 2019,” she said.
