Twelfth Night is a play about how we present ourselves to the world, what disguises we hide behind, falling in love, grief, and of course, how absurdly silly life can become. If I could direct this show every year, I would. It has all the joy that comedy brings but also challenges actors to learn how to speak that human experience through a different form of language.
The characters of Twelfth Night are some of Shakespeare’s most beloved—foolish yet wise, serious yet funny, flawed yet endearing. As I’ve worked with this talented cast, I’ve been constantly amazed at how deeply they’ve connected with the story, finding new layers of truth and humor in each scene. Whether it’s the endearing melancholy of Orsino, the resolute wit of Viola, the cleverness of Feste, the hilarious sincerity of Olivia, or the devotion of Malvolio, there is a depth to each character that makes them more than just figures in a comedy. They are all deeply human, and I hope that in bringing these characters to life, we’ll create an experience that feels both timeless and real.
Ultimately, Twelfth Night is a play about laughing in the face of confusion, recognizing the masks we wear, and embracing life’s twists and turns. Although the play is chaotic, I hope it is a rest from the chaos of our own lives. Laughter is a rest, a necessary rest, from what we all have to do each day. I know, no matter what, that I will laugh each day I'm at work with these young people. I'm grateful for their willingness to take on this challenge and connect to the story the way I have. I hope they have discovered moments of joy and remember what it is like to play. I hope that you will too as you watch the performance.
Thank you for joining us on this delightful and transformative adventure. Twelfth Night is about embracing the instability, the uncertainty, the unpredictability of it all. It’s about finding joy in the confusion, and that, in the end, is all we can ever really hope for.
"But that's all one, our play is done and we'll strive to please you everyday."
— Ms. Amy Bauer
Director
