SMU Division of Theatre presents Twelfth Night for one week only

by Shawn Parikh

It always is a magnanimous task to stage a Shakespearean play, and SMU's theatre department is taking this on with Twelfth Night. However, since it is a university production, it will have a very short run from November 19 - 23.

Shakespeare’s bittersweet comedy is about mistaken identities and misguided passions and is one of his most popular works. Written in 1601, it remains fresh and even modern in its exploration of shifting identity, transformation and love. The lead character, Viola, is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria during the opening scenes. She loses contact with her twin brother, Sebastian, whom she believes dead. Posing as a man and masquerading as a young castrato under the name Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with the bereaved Lady Olivia, whose brother has recently died, and decides to use "Cesario" as an intermediary. Olivia, believing Viola to be a man, falls in love with this handsome and eloquent messenger. Viola, in turn, has fallen in love with the Duke, who also believes Viola is a man, and who regards her as his confidant. When Sebastian arrives on the scene, confusion ensues.

Call the Meadows Box Office at 214-768-2787 for tickets.