What's Happening?
Actor Adam J. Smith is currently performing in the West Coast premiere of Ellen McLaughlin’s modern verse adaptation of Shakespeare’s 'Pericles' at Boston Court Pasadena. The production reimagines the classic play within the frame of a disaster relief
center, where evacuees perform the story to pass the time. Smith, alongside Julanne Chidi Hill, Desiree Mee Jung, and Alexander Matos, is noted for adroitly fleshing out the play's world, which contrasts virtue and vice. The staging is described as brisk and lighthearted, utilizing contemporary casual wear for royal garb and improvised props like pool noodles for jousting. Directed by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck, the production embraces a makeshift energy, allowing characters to wear masks loosely and use flashlights to illuminate darkened spaces. The adaptation aims to make Shakespeare accessible, though it has been noted for sacrificing some of the original's lyrical beauty and emotional weight, particularly in its climax.
Why It's Important?
This production is significant for its innovative approach to classical theater, offering a contemporary lens through which to view Shakespeare. By setting 'Pericles' in a disaster relief center, the adaptation explores themes of resilience, community, and storytelling in times of crisis, which resonate with modern audiences. The use of improvised props and casual costuming challenges traditional theatrical conventions, potentially attracting new audiences who might find classical interpretations less accessible. For actors like Adam J. Smith, participating in such a reimagining allows for a dynamic exploration of character within a unique narrative framework. The critical reception, noting both the playfulness and the loss of emotional depth, highlights the ongoing debate in theater about balancing modernization with fidelity to original texts, influencing future adaptations and audience expectations for classical works.
What's Next?
The production of 'Pericles' at Boston Court Pasadena will continue its run, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this modern adaptation. The critical discussions surrounding the play's balance between accessibility and artistic integrity may influence future theatrical adaptations of Shakespearean works, encouraging other playwrights and directors to consider similar contemporary frameworks. The performances of actors like Adam J. Smith in such innovative productions could also lead to further roles in experimental or reimagined classical plays. The ongoing dialogue among theater critics and audiences about the effectiveness of modernizing Shakespeare will likely continue, shaping the direction of classical theater in Southern California and beyond.
Beyond the Headlines
The adaptation of 'Pericles' delves into deeper implications regarding the role of art and storytelling during periods of collective trauma. By having evacuees perform the play, it suggests that narrative and performance can serve as coping mechanisms, fostering community and providing a sense of purpose amidst chaos. This meta-theatrical approach raises questions about the nature of performance itself—is it merely entertainment, or can it be a vital tool for psychological resilience and communal healing? The choice to modernize Shakespeare's language and setting also touches upon the cultural relevance of classical texts in a rapidly changing world, prompting reflection on how ancient stories can still speak to contemporary human experiences, even if some traditional elements are altered or diminished in the process.
