Students will find themselves surrounded by the vivid Forest of Arden through the Liberty University Department of Theatre Arts’ latest play, “As You Like It,” in the Black Box Theater.
The classic Shakespeare comedy focuses on three characters. Rosalind is the daughter of the recently exiled duke. She’s joined by Celia — her cousin, best friend and the daughter of Duke Frederick who usurped the throne from Rosalind’s father. Lastly, Orlando is an orphan under the care of his jealous older brother. When the main cast is forced to flee home, Rosalind and Celia disguise themselves, with Rosalind taking on the persona of a man. Orlando also escapes with his faithful servant, Adam.
Finding themselves in the Forest of Arden, each character experiences a newfound freedom.
“Through their time in the Forest of Arden, characters come back to their connection with the natural world, some having major revelations, some simply discovering what’s truly important,” Andy Geffken, director of the play and associate professor of theatre arts, said. “Ultimately, it’s nature and design that leads us back to an understanding of who we are and who God is.”
Photo by Kelley Atkinson
Alex Schultz, who plays the role of Orlando, described the play as “a delightful romp in the woods.”
“It’s a fun, lighthearted time that ultimately, it is just meant for audiences’ enjoyment to see … little bits of themselves in these different characters,” Schultz said.
From the cynicism of Jaques and Touchstone to the romanticism of Celia and Rosalind, the characters are as diverse in their approach to life as they are to their own development.
“I love when people can come to a Shakespeare and go, ‘I understood what was going on, and I resonate with that character,’” Geffken said. “The human condition has never been more eloquently articulated than in Shakespeare’s words.”
Schultz attributes his growth in his role to the entire cast of “As You Like It.”
“In dramas (the cast members) … become a family relying on each other. In comedies, (the cast members) almost become … a jovial band of buddies. … And in that is just a lot of fun exploration with each other … and support(ing) each other to explore maybe different aspects of the character,” Schultz said.
For some cast members, performing in this Shakespearean play proved to be an immense learning opportunity.
“This is the first Shakespeare I’ve ever done. I love reading Shakespeare, and the Shakespeare that I’ve seen has been incredible. … I’ve always wanted to do it. I just didn’t know when that would be,” Lauren Kost, the actress playing Rosalind, said.
Kost defined Shakespeare’s work as “cross-generational.”
“It’s a funny story. It’s a cute story. It’s so much fun. But at the same time there’s so much truth to every single person on that stage. … There’s relationships that aren’t great, and that makes the relationships that are great even better,” Kost said.
“As You Like It” will show from Oct. 18-27. For more information on times and to purchase tickets, visit www.liberty.edu/arts/theatre/tickets.
McKinnon is an arts & culture reporter for the Liberty Champion.