Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them

Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them

Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them.

Discuss some of the challenges you might face in directing the play to

a modern audience.

Being one of Shakespeare’s best romantic comedies, Twelfth Night has

been re-enacted many a times, be it during Elizabethan times, or in

modern times. Although set in the Elizabethan era, Twelfth Night has

its charms. And indeed, it proves to be relevant and intimate to a

modern audience, with its applicable themes and endearing characters.

In directing a play of such mannerism, one would have to consider many

factors affecting the overall effect of the play, and how it brings

forth its true message and intentions. Hence, I have chosen to direct

Act 3 Scene 1, as well as Act 2 Scene 3. The reasons why I have chosen

the above scenes, is so as in Act 2 Scene 3, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew,

Maria and Feste portray a kind of platonic love, that can be applied

to a modern audience. In addition, Malvolio is shown forth as the

typical puritan, who is the wet blanket for every party and

discourages any kind of fun and disorder. This, hence, is also

applicable to a modern audience, as the audience see Malvolio as the

kind of person everyone would dislike. Thus, later on, when Malvolio

is plotted against, the audience can comprehend why. This scene is

seen to be a comical one, where humour is the main theme. Henceforth,

Shakespeare’s theme of comedy still stands, despite later scenes of

seriousness.

Act 3 Scene 1 is a scene where we can see Olivia’s desperate and

intensifying infatuation for Viola pouring out uncontrollably. Through

Viola’s focused and straightforward rejections, we once again sense

her dilemma due to her disguise, and also her devotion towards her

task and towards Orsino. On the other hand, the message is brought

forth that perhaps, woman aren’t always the ones waiting to be wooed.

Olivia tries hard to achieve her goals (even when she fails), and

gives a sense of stubbornness towards her ‘love’ for Viola (Cesario).

Therefore, I have chosen to direct these two scenes.

Firstly, Act 2 Scene 4. For this scene, it could be summarized as a

comic scene with Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, Maria and Feste having fun

amongst them. Then, Malvolio, the puritan comes in, and spoils their

fun, insulting them a...

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...ness, and brings forth the carefree tone of the play. Overall,

this challenge still stands in the sense of showing Shakespeare’s

‘see-saw’ method in its best light.

Another challenge that I think I would face in directing this play

would be making the costumes fit the Elizabethan times, yet attracting

the modern audience and adding a personal touch to display the play in

a way impressing to a modern audience, whom I believe like to watch

plays which attract them at first glance. Hence, the clothing could be

modern cum Elizabethan, creating an interesting mix.

Yet another challenge would be keeping the audience engaged and have

continued interest in the show, so as to bring the show to them fully

and meaningfully. This is important as if the audience cannot stay

focused, the overall effect may be affected. Hence, perhaps the actors

could engage the audience with eye contact and stand in such a way as

to not have their backs face the audience (unless completely

necessary).

All in all, directing the play of Twelfth Night to a modern audience

proves to be a challenging task, but possible with perseverance in

keeping the overall comedy-romantic genre of the play.