Much Ado About Nothing

One of Shakespeare's famous comedies is being given special treatment by QTC's artistic team here in Brisbane, having a modern tropical 5 star resort backdrop and revolving stage to set the scene for all the fun and frivolity of this quaint tale of love and lust, complete with all the numerous repercussions this can have on human relations. Despite the verbose and witty dialogue, Shakespeare's ability to delve deeper into the psyche still shines through with excellent characterisations and a playful use of the text by an evocative cast and tight, original and imaginative direction. Hugh Parker's portrayal of Benedick is a good example with superb use of subtlety and manipulation, so plentiful in this production, while Liz Buchanan's brazenly funny all-Oz performance brings an amusing touch of Queenland to complete an impressive line-up of local actors including Tama Matheson, Bryan Probets and some who also sing well, like Patrick Dwyer.

The play exudes elements of one of the sources of French farce but, in true Shakesperian style, this play is more profound, creating certain characters that need study and analysis, like Beatrice in particular, played by established actor Christen O'Leary. In this instance the underlying themes which ask important questions include emancipation and equality and of course the timeless study of woman v. man and vice-versa.

Updating an established historic play is not always easy to do, and with a text written by the master so adept at writing quips and meaty word-play we sometimes need to ponder over, there is some confusion hanging in the air, particularly in the first act, in that we tend to compare modern life to a less convoluted plot. Most of this is overcome by speedy delivery and plenty of pace. We are also presented with a contemporary predominantly vocal score by talented composer Gordon Hamilton to enhance the action.

Reinventing the classics is in full flood again with this intriguing production and I admire the QTC's unashamed bash at attempting to integrate old timeless works with modern society. It's a good choice too to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Brian Adamson

Photo Credit: Joseph Byford.