From a University of Wyoming press release:
A new drama troupe, The Merely Players, will bring to Laramie Shakespeare's "As You Like It (Redux)," July 18-20 at 4 p.m. in Washington Park, off the corner of Rainbow and 19th streets.
The Bard's humorous tale of true love and brotherhood follows a noble family as it exchanges the intrigues of the court for the charms of a pastoral life. This outdoor production is free and open to all ages.
The Merely Players is an ensemble devoted to bringing Shakespeare to the people who were the first to enjoy his work: people of every class, creed and level of education.
"We want to take Shakespeare ‘off the pedestal' and provide a fast-paced, accessible adaptation of his work in a relaxed setting," says Anna Brownsted, who helped to adapt the script and create the stage directions for the outdoor venue. "Presenting this play in a found space has allowed us to create a unique production that emphasizes the actor/audience relationship, making the action up-close and personal."
This program is appropriate for audiences of all ages. With a cunning cutting of the original text, the players give the often hard-to-understand language of a conventional Shakespearean play a more modern sound. Though the play still uses the Bard's original language, it has been made more accessible to a modern ear, and it is great for those with little to no previous experience with Shakespeare.
The Merely Players' producer, Kari Kontour, stresses the event's informality.
"We invite everyone to find a blanket, bring your family and friends and perhaps even a picnic lunch, and enjoy theatre in a more ‘coming-on' disposition," says Kontour. "The production runs only three days. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the most refreshing theatre the summer has to offer."
