MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

“Don’t lose your A-PEEL!”

Twisting Shakespeare with polo, parties, pranks and pickles-a-plenty in 1930s Penang.

A very special production for KLSP as this show features a cast of 17 actors, including both veterans and newbies – all of whom have received our training in performing Shakespeare.

Although this show only use Shakespeare’s text (there will be subtitles in BM and Chinese), it is presented within the flamboyant setting of a polo club in 1930s Penang. Here, Leonato is a Chinese tycoon, entertaining royalty at his palatial home, where he is thrilled to discover that the champion polo player wants to marry his daughter. As the partying continues into the weekend, tricks are played and misunderstandings ensue, turning laughter into tears until the security guards uncover a dastardly plot, and finally a happier wedding (or two) can take place.

“Much Ado About Nothing” can appear to simply be an hilarious tale of pranks and romance, but it also presents the struggles of a family dealing with the shame of their daughter being falsely accused. The Malaysian setting of our production helps to highlight the relevance of this story for Asian families, while its placement in the 1930s creates some reflective distance to these issues.

Highlights:
– 17 actors
– Shakespeare’s text only but with BM/Chinese subtitles
– set in 1930’s polo club in Penang
– many scenes of hilarious physical comedy
– includes music and dancing
– mix of live action and projected film
– presents issues relevant to young people – friendship vs romance, misunderstand and …