Always an Ado About Something : Shakespeare Benefits from Different Visions
Much Ado About Nothing. L-R: Rob Brown (Borachio) Andre Simoneau (Watchman) Nathaniel Hanula-James (Conrad) Martin Law (Watchman) Timothy Diamond (Don Pedro)
Your correspondent recently sat down with the the crew of the upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing to talk about what they have in store at Theatre Ste Catherine. Meeting shortly after a dress rehearsal, Anna, Matt and Anton were feeling very enthusiastic about the project and talked about their impressions about staging one of the most beloved Shakespearean comedies.
Much Ado About Nothing. Matt Enos and Katherine Turnbull – Benedick and Beatrice
The first one to share her ideas was Anna Springate-Floch, the director of the play. Having recently completed her studies in classical theatre in England, Anna feels ready to deliver some high-caliber Shakespeare in her native Montreal.
Much Ado About Nothing. L-R: Rob Brown (Borachio) Andre Simoneau (Watchman) Nathaniel Hanula-James (Conrad) Martin Law (Watchman) Timothy Diamond (Don Pedro)
As shown in the promotional material, Anna’s inspiration for the play draws from belle-epoque Europe. While she prefers to avoid any direct associations with a place and time, Anna wishes to infuse the play with an ornate and delicate dimension in its costumes and set design, with the goal of complementing the play’s comedic overtones.
Much Ado About Nothing-3
Matt Enos, the actor charged with playing Benedick, talked about the liveliness of comedy in Shakespeare and how it’s often believed to be difficult to understand and challenging. He is confident about audiences finding this production very entertaining, not only because of its many dick jokes but also in terms of the witty dialogue and the meditations on serious topics like honor and love.
Much Ado About Nothing. Andre Simoneau and Martin Law (Watchmen)
Anton Golikov will play the role of the villanous Don John, and as such he talked about the importance of sticking to the text. For him, giving some credit to the audience is key when it comes to staging Shakespeare. He believes that the audience will enjoy the play as it is, leaving aside any extensive modifications or “updating”. He also feels proud of taking part in the Shakespearean tradition, hoping that the audience will laugh and enjoy the show.
Much Ado About Nothing. L-R Andre Simoneau (Watchman) Martin Law (Watchman) Rob Brown (Borachio) Nathaniel Hanula-James (Conrad)
This play is being co-produced by Jubilee and Raise the Stakes Theatre. And just like the production is combining the talents of two of Montreal’s theatre production companies, the play promises a dialogue between carnival and society, masks and earnestness in the spirit of antithesis in Shakespearean drama.
William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing takes place November 6-9 at Théâtre Ste Catherine (264 St Catherine). 8 p.m. on Nov 6-8 and 2 p.m. on Nov 8-9. $15/18.
