Twelfth Night is a play about natural disasters, man made calamities, and the omniscient, ever-present power of God, that guides and protects us. It is an appropriate offering for 2020. The message of the play — like the message of all of Shakespeare’s plays — is that in the end, honor wins, marriage is a good thing, and a moment of comedy brings relief in any situation.
There are many famous and beautiful quotes in this play, but several resonate, and form the theme of Pacifica’s production:
“Be not afraid of greatness”.
“Love sought is good, but given unsought better”.
“I say there is no darkness but ignorance”.
“In nature there's no blemish but the mind. None can be called
deformed but the unkind”.
For ten weeks, students in this cast have relentlessly rehearsed wearing masks, physically distanced, and always, outdoors — regardless of the weather. They have studied Shakespeare, protected each other, and very touchingly, been extremely protective of me, knowing that my family is in the high risk for category for COVID-19.
In fact, students are performing this play under circumstances much like Shakespeare’s own; the danger of the plague was ever present, political unrest was rampant, and violence in urban areas was an unfortunate reality.
Our students, like Shakespeare, have determined to entertain and please audiences, using his own devices — devices like anachronism (putting something modern into a historic text), bold slapstick comedy, and music.
We hope that you deeply enjoy this performance. It ultimately celebrates our nation, honors our heavenly Father, and offers the necessary richness culture provides to life…particularly in challenging times.
And finally, please wear your mask, and maintain a safe physical distance from others outside of your household. Patrons are asked to leave immediately after the performance is over.
As much as your love and affirnations are appreciated, the cast will not be available to meet and greet anyone after the play, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. All audience, crew, and cast members need to be be off the premises before 10:00 PM, when the gate must be locked. Thank you for your understanding.
Have a joyous experience — and thank you very much for coming to see our production!
Gratefully,
Angela Ward
