"All the world's a stage" according to Shakespeare's classic play As you like it, which is particularly apt as MADC is set to once again transform San Anton Gardens into a unique open-air theatre.
Telling the story of lovers Rosalind and Orlando, who are forced into exile in the Forest of Arden and become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity, As you like it is one of Bard's funniest and most moving romantic comedies, with coming-of-age themes that are as relevant today as when it was first performed.
This year's MADC production will take on a contemporary setting that director Philip Leone-Ganado feels will make the most of the backdrop of the gardens. "The play moves from the stark, oppressive world of a modern royal court to the free and joyous expanse of a forest festival. For a play with such an iconic and evocative backdrop as the Forest of Arden, there really is no better place to perform it than San Anton Gardens in summer, which provides a perfect fit for the forest's magic and splendour."
As you like it will feature a stellar local cast of fresh faces alongside experienced, established actors, including Chris Dingli, Stephen Oliver, Jonathan Dunn, Steffie Thake, Roberta Cefai, Chiara Hyzler, Gianni Selvaggi, Michael Mangion, Rambert Attard, Maxine Brimmer, Becky D'Ugo, Joe Depasquale and Daniel Formosa. While remaining faithful to Shakespeare's original plot and characters, the actors will be playing different roles as the story moves between the play's two worlds, while the music will also be updated with contemporary elements.
Celebrating 80 years since the first production of the same play by MADC at San Anton, As you like it continues Malta Amateur Dramatic Club's long-standing tradition of producing an annual Shakespeare play in the Gardens. "We are thrilled to be returning, yet again, to San Anton Gardens with another Shakespeare production," says MADC artistic director Marylu Coppini. "For MADC to be producing the same Shakespeare play, in the same venue, some 80 years after the Club first did so, is an important milestone both in our history and for its acting members, who every year turn a public garden into an open-air theatre of 21st century quality."
As you like it will be performed at San Anton Gardens in Attard between 13 and 22 July. Further information and tickets are available online at www.madc.com.mt