(Bryan Brenize -- The Beacon)
By Will Lyons, Staff Writer -- lyons14@up.edu
If William Shakespeare were alive today he might use the term "bromance," to describe his first comedy "Two Gentlemen of Verona."
The Performing Arts Department will feature a modern version of the original bromance in Mago Hunt Theater. Performances of "Two Gentlemen of Verona" are tonight through Saturday and March 9 to 11 at 7:30 p.m. There will be also be a performance this Sunday at 2 p.m.
The updated interpretation comes from the vision of Director Rico Nan, a graduate student whose master's thesis is the performance of this show.
"I knew that I wanted to do a comedy for my thesis, and I thought of this one because it's not done as much," Nan said. "With ‘bromantic comedies,' like ‘I Love You Man' and ‘Superbad,' becoming more and more popular, it seemed only natural."
The two gentlemen and best friends, Proteus and Valentine (seniors Alex Kirby and Connor Eifler), fall in love with the same woman, Silvia (sophomore Jessica Hillenbrand), upon entering college. Proteus conspires against Valentine and has him expelled from school in order to win over Silvia, much to the dismay of his betrothed Julia (sophomore Maddie Eberhard) who comes to the university to find Proteus.
Once apart, a series of mishaps put the gentlemen in the position of choosing to rekindle their "bromance" or seek romance with Silvia. "The setting and approach we take makes (this show) accessible to everyone because it's set on a college campus," senior Hillary Burrelle, who plays both Pantina and the hostess, said.
According to Nan, the Shakespearian script is roughly the same, but has been condensed in some areas and has various literal changes. For example "dorm room" is used throughout the show instead of "chamber."
"It's its own entity using modern theater devices," Kirby said.
The most obvious reflection of the show's modernization is the costume design done by junior Megan La Fleur.
"I decided to go with warm colors and the hipster vibe, lots of flannel and layers," La Fleur said. "I'm pretty stoked. I'm loving how cohesive it looks."
For Nan, this show is the payoff for a lot of hard work.
"It's like birthing a child," Nan said. "It's awesome to see the show come into fruition."
Whether the setting is 16th century England or 21st century Portland, the real appeal of this show is the relationship between Proteus and Valentine. The onstage chemistry between Kirby and Eifler seems authentic because backstage a real life bromance is coming to a crescendo.
"Connor and I have been friends the past four years, so it's fitting that this show is the capstone of our time here," Kirby said.
(Bryan Brenize -- The Beacon)
(Bryan Brenize -- The Beacon)
