Right off the back of their critically acclaimed take on 'TITUS', and following a sell-out season of 'The Tempest' in 2014, the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble are now preparing to perform renowned Shakespeare piece 'Twelfth Night' for expectant fans in late August.
Set in the tropical surrounds of Roma Street Parkland, the strictly limited season of 'Twelfth Night' promises to whisk crowds away to a world of disorder and rebellion, featuring a long line-up of music performed live by the cast.
The play will follow the adventures of Viola, a woman who disguises herself as a man to seek work and eventually falls in love with her lovesick employer, Duke Orsino. Orsino sets Viola the task of wooing the Countess Olivia, a lady deep in mourning for her deceased brother who slowly finds herself infatuated with the messenger – Viola in disguise. Meanwhile, Olivia's housekeeper Maria unites with perpetual party-animal Sir Toby Belch, to devise a scheme to bring down the haughty butler Malvolio. An epic tale unleashing a riotous chain of chaos and confusion, and a rollicking exploration of obsession.
Image © Benjamin Prindable'Twelfth Night' will be directed Rob Pensalfini, a past nominee of the Best Director Matilda Award for QCE's 2013 production 'A Midsummer's Night Dream'. Pensalfini also perform the role of Feste, a depressed fool who long since lost his taste for fooling.
Additional cast members include Best Supporting Actor Matilda Award nominees Colin Smith and Silvan Rus, recognised for their previous work in QSE's productions 'The Odd Couple' and 'TITUS'.
The season launches on Wednesday 24 August, with shows rolling out until early September. A Gala Night and opportunity to mingle with the cast and crew will be held on Thursday 25 August, plus a twenty minute Q&A session on Thursday 1 September.
'Twelfth Night' plays Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre from 26 August-8 September.
