Distinct view of Shakespeare (three witches Shakespeare)

Sep 16

2 min read

The Battle of Life and Death Adapted from William Shakespeare Directed by Fallon Crowley and Brooke Morrison A review by Brian Kennedy

Devoted fans of Shakespeare’s most famous works may find themselves enjoying three witches shakespeare’s unique takes during The Battle of Life and Death, now taking place at Fringe Festival.

The Battle of Life and Death includes two separate shorts. The Fallon Crowley-directed The Tragedy of Mercutio looks at the underlying events of Romeo and Juliet from Romeo’s best friend’s perspective.

There’s not much in the way of stage scenery for this tragedy. One bench is sitting at the back of stage left and is used at various times during the half-hour performance. All characters were wearing modern clothes but still spoke in Shakespeare’s Old English.

Erica McClure is the titular character, and she displays all the humor and wit that Mercutio requires. She makes puns, much to some annoyance to her friends. Her chemistry with best friend Romeo, which Tabby Jackson portrays, feels effortless and easy to believe.

After a pretty good sword fight with Tybalt, whom Ian Cobb portrays, Mercutio’s inevitable death scene begins. This is wonderfully played as McClure, who, at first, is humorous and reassuring before quickly going to desperation and placing a curse on both Montague and Capulet houses.

In the second performance, the Brooke Morrison-directed Dueling Hamlets: Or Hamlet Talking to Themself, showcases the mind of Hamlet answering the “to be or not to be” question regarding living and dying.

Hamlet’s mind is formed on stage thanks to red shirts making a complete circle. During this half-hour performance, the two actors neatly fold some of those clothes.

The two sides of Hamlet’s mind, played by Bex Willenbrink and Ashley Cabrera, are well performed. The two actors played off each other, sometimes as adversaries, sometimes as complimentary. They spoke eloquently in Shakespeare’s Old English their particular side of the debate. Sometimes, they even spoke flawlessly in unison. Eventually, they found a resolution, but their journey to this point was at all times interesting.

Overall, the two performances that make up Battle of Life and Death offer a distinct view of Shakespeare’s most endearing works. Casual Shakespeare fans may have a difficult time understanding the themes of each, but devoted followers of Shakespeare may find something to take away from the performances.

The Battle of Life and Death three witches Shakespeare In association with Louisville Fringe Festival September 12 and 14 Victor Jory Theater at Actors Theatre

316 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202

https://www.loufringefest.com/