“This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave  o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire.” Hamlet

These words spoken by Hamlet often inspire me, especially at this time of year when we perform outside on the courtyard stones. A chance to let our voices echo around the walls of this majestic villa with the words of  Shakespeare and many other extraordinary writers. 

On August 29th, we'll be performing "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, written between 1588 and 1594. The play dives into friendship, love, and betrayal through the adventures of Proteus and Valentine. It's known for its early use of mistaken identities and clever wordplay, which later became classic Shakespearean elements. However, it also brings some challenges for today's audiences. For instance, Proteus quickly shifts his love from Julia to Valentine's beloved Silvia and even tries to assault her, an act that's only stopped by Valentine. This scene, and how easily Proteus is forgiven afterward, clashes with modern views on consent and accountability.

The play also portrays women in a way that feels outdated now. Julia disguises herself as a page to stay close to Proteus despite his betrayal, and Silvia has little say in her situation. These portrayals reflect Shakespeare's era but don't sit well with today's emphasis on women's autonomy and empowerment. Because of these issues, "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" can be tricky to stage, often needing careful handling and reinterpretation to address its problematic aspects. It highlights how cultural and societal changes affect how we view and relate to classic works over time.

I chose Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" because of this fascinating mix of friendship, love, and stupidity, and the chance to explore its more problematic parts, like the treatment of women and consent, head-on. 

The play's early comedic devices, like mistaken identities and witty wordplay, offer a great chance for us to explore the play in performance. It’s also a way to show how Shakespeare's craft evolved over time, blending humor with deeper emotional and ethical questions.

 Performing this play is a way to spark conversations about gender equality and personal autonomy, issues that are so powerfully prescient to today. By addressing the play's controversial parts, we can help you, our audience appreciate Shakespeare’s work while reflecting on social progress. My directing team’s goal, like all of the plays, is to create a production that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, connecting the past with the present proving at last, that Dog shall have his Day!

Director-Richard Kenyon

I thought I’d begin this month’s article with a direct quote from my mom when I asked her what she loves so much about Sense and Sensibility:

"First of all, the characters. From the 19th century to today, readers have found them relatable. The humor is timeless, without relying on bad language. It’s filled with multiple love stories, much like Richard Curtis's work in Love Actually. Your dad and I have watched every version available and still discover new details each time.”

Initially, I wasn’t a huge fan of Austen. While I appreciated her wit and sharp observations, I found her world of drawing rooms and social manners somewhat distant from the emotional depth I found in Shakespeare. But as I delved deeper into "Sense and Sensibility," I began to see the richness of Austen’s exploration of human nature and societal norms. It may have been the wisdom and maturity I’ve gained over the years, but suddenly, the story’s layers began to reveal themselves to me in unexpected ways.

"Sense and Sensibility," published in 1811, remains incredibly popular for a reason. It still feels relevant today. The book’s charm lies in its sharp observations of family relationships, the ups and downs of romance, and the weight of societal expectations—things that, honestly, haven’t changed much over the centuries. The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, embody the classic clash between reason and emotion. Elinor, with her practical decisions and calm demeanor, represents the voice of reason, while Marianne, who wears her heart on her sleeve, embodies passion and emotion. Through their contrasting characters, Austen offers a deep dive into personal values and emotional intelligence.

This theme of heart versus head is timeless in literature. It’s an age-old struggle—do we follow our emotions or think things through? This clash between passion and reason makes for compelling stories, as characters wrestle with their feelings versus their rational thoughts. It’s a theme that explores the messy reality of decision-making and what it means to be human. Austen captures this beautifully, making "Sense and Sensibility" more than just a romantic play; it’s a profound exploration of human nature.

When "Sense and Sensibility" was first published, it was praised for its realistic characters and engaging plot. The Critical Review, for instance, noted that it was “highly pleasing and interesting.” The novel’s commentary on class, gender, and economic pressures reflects both the era in which it was written and the ongoing challenges we still face today. 

In short, Sense and Sensibility is a timeless work that masterfully captures the complexities of human emotions and social life. My initial reluctance has turned into deep appreciation, and I now see Austen as a perfect complement to my love for Shakespeare—both exploring the human condition from different angles. Plus, if my parents love it, it must be good.

Richard Kenyon-Sept 9-2024

Sense and Sensibility

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

2025