Twelfth Night: Act 2, Scene 3 (part 2)

THE STORY SO FAR: While Viola is struggling with a cross-dressed love triangle, Sir Toby is busy partying into the wee hours of the night, accompanied (and funded) by his pal and patsy, Sir Andrew Aguecheek. This does not amuse Malvolio.

This bit of the scene actually has two of my favorite lines. One classic line is Sir Toby's "Dost thou think that because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?" It's basically one of the best lines to trot out when someone is being smug and superior. LET'S HEAR IT FOR CAKES AND ALE. 

The second line I love is Sir Andrew's plaintive "I was adored once too." It's pathetic for a number of reasons, mostly because (a) it's part of a whole series of exchanges where Sir Andrew is basically running around after the big kids shouting "Oooh! Me too!" in a desperate attempt to win approval, and (b) it implies, probably accurately, that Sir Andrew is no longer adored.

When you're done giving Antonio a hug, give Sir Andrew a hug too. He needs a hug.

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1 | 1.5, part 2 | 1.5, part 3 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3, part 1 | 2.3, part 2

Twelfth Night: Act 2, Scene 3 (part 1)

So, Twelfth Night has basically two plots. One has clearly emerged by now: Viola's disguise as Cesario and the resulting love triangle between her, Orsino, and Olivia. The second one, which could be called the comedic subplot, is going to get underway in this week's scenes. 

He might throw good parties, but nothing will shake my conviction that Sir Toby is a jerk. 

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1 | 1.5, part 2 | 1.5, part 3 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3, part 1

Twelfth Night: Act 2, Scene 2

THE PLOT SO FAR: Cesario (Viola) has just left Olivia, whom he (she) was wooing on behalf of Orsino. Little does he (she) realize that his (her) proxy wooing has been more effective than he (she) thought...

Pronouns, eh?

I love the "I left no ring with her" monologue. It's funny, wistful, sad, all in one. Here's Judi Dench showing you how it's done:

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1 | 1.5, part 2 | 1.5, part 3 | 2.1 | 2.2

There's a new comic book available in my Shoppe! I've collected my scene-by-scene Macbeth comics, re-drawn all the artwork digitally (so it looks a lot cleaner and neater) and added exclusive commentary. Check it out today! 

Twelfth Night: Act 2, Scene 1

So, we've met Viola, who is in mourning for her brother who she believes was lost at sea, and who is now masquerading as a boy who just happens to look exactly like the aforementioned brother.

Let's meet the brother!

Boy/girl twins are never identical, but DON'T LET THIS FACT DISRUPT YOUR SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF. Just go on accepting that "Cesario" looks exactly like Sebastian. It'll make the subsequent plot hijinks much easier to digest. 

Also, someone give Antonio a hug. He needs a hug.

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1 | 1.5, part 2 | 1.5, part 3 | 2.1

There's a new comic book available in my Shoppe! I've collected my scene-by-scene Macbeth comics, re-drawn all the artwork digitally (so it looks a lot cleaner and neater) and added exclusive commentary. Check it out today! 

Twelfth Night: Act 1, Scene 5 (part 3)

THE PLOT SO FAR: Orisno orders his young attendant, Cesario, to go win Olivia's love for him (Orsino), but Olivia is in mourning for her dead brother and "Cesario" is actually a cross-dressing girl named Viola, who is secretly in love with Orsino.

....you know, just your typical run-of-the-mill Shakespearean love triangle.

The "wooing" scene between Cesario and Olivia is one of my favorites. It's got some great poetry (see: the famous "willow cabin" speech) but, more importantly, is just plain charming. Olivia's flustration and panic at realizing she's falling in love with this page boy is simply adorable. 

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1 | 1.5, part 2 | 1.5, part 3

REVIEW: "As You Like It" at the Stratford Festival

I've discovered that I'm pretty terrible at writing reviews because (a) I tend to like everything and (b) if I don't like something, I don't want to make anyone feel bad by saying so. Fortunately, I liked the Stratford Festival's latest production of As You Like It. 

In case you've never seen As You Like It before, here's what happens in it.

No, it doesn't really make a lot of sense. No, you shouldn't worry about it. Just enjoy. 

As You Like It is playing at the Stratford Festival until October 22. If you've ever wanted to be a tree in the forest of Arden, this is your big chance. 

Tweflth Night: Act 1, Scene 5 (part 1)

While Cesario (a.k.a. Viola) in changing into her travelling trousers, let's nip over to Olivia's household and meet the much-discussed countess herself! Oh, and her fool too. Because every Shakespeare comedy needs a fool, apparently.

 To be honest, I find Feste one of the most tolerable fools in Shakespeare. Most of his jokes are at least recognizably funny (that is, you recognize that they're supposed to be funny), plus he's got a core of morose cynicism that makes him a rather interesting character in his own right. 

Tune in again next week to see what happens when Cesario met Olivia! 

Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5, part 1