Culture
OU Eastern Theatre Presents “Much Ado About Nothing”
By: EJ Schodzinski
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The Theater Department of Ohio University’s Eastern Campus will present William Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing April 3-5 and 10-12 in the Shannon Hall Theater.
First performed in 1598, Much Ado About Nothing has been called Shakespeare’s most realistic comedy. The story focuses on the trials of two very different sets of lovers, Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick.
The “Nothing” of the title may refer to the various misadventures that challenge these two couples as they attempt to wed.
Much Ado About Nothing is both a celebration and a biting examination of love, as revealed through the often contradictory rituals of courtship. The script is filled with classic comedy and festive good spirits, yet is grounded with a 400-year-old, modern suspicion of romance.
Two popular films of the 1990s have influenced OUE Theatre Director Dennis Fox’s interpretation of the script. Both Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 production of Much Ado About Nothing and John Madden’s 1998 Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love figure prominently in the Eastern Campus production.
“For a long time I thought I would never direct Much Ado About Nothing simply because I have been so very influenced by those films,” said Fox. “The opportunity for our actors to portray these great characters, however, overcame my reluctance. I decided to embrace and use these films’ influences and credit their importance to our production.”
Thursday evening performances begin at 7 p.m., with general admission tickets priced at $5. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8 p.m.; tickets are $7, with student and senior citizen discount tickets priced at $5.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Dennis Fox at foxd@ohio.edu or 740-699-2340.
Ohio University Eastern is located off I-70, exit 213, just west of St. Clairsville, Ohio.