Shakespeare BASH’D continues its annual tradition of warming our dark winter evenings with the words of the Bard of Avon. This year, they are performing the lesser-known The Two Noble Kinsmen. Directed by Co-Artistic Director James Wallis and starring Michael Man and Emilio Vieira, The Two Noble Kinsmen is a delight from start to finish!
Sitting here at my desk writing this, I’m surrounded by my Shakespeare knick-knacks I’ve acquired over the years. I’ve been actively searching out and watching Shakespeare’s works on stage for over two decades, and in that time have not read, studied, or seen The Two Noble Kinsmen. Not for any want of trying, mind you, it’s just that infrequently performed, and isn’t often on school reading lists. It’s also a well-known collaboration between John Fletcher and William Shakespeare, which felt like an interesting puzzle to try and solve while I listened to the play; who wrote which parts? Whatever the answer is, it comes together into an enchanting story. All this to say that going into a Shakespearean play knowing absolutely nothing about it is a total rarity for me, and thus was a true delight. To be able to go on the emotional journey with the characters was thrilling, and I enjoyed every minute of this play. I have no clue why this isn’t done more often, it’s an intriguing story with plenty going on and a semi-satisfying outcome.
Photo by Kyle Purcell
For those of you who likewise are unfamiliar with The Two Noble Kinsmen, let me try to sum this up as best as I can. There are two cousins, Arcite and Palamon, and they care for each other very much. Even when they are imprisoned after turning against Theseus in battle, they can make jail a paradise with each other’s company. Until they spy Emilia, Hyppolyta’s Amazonian sister. They both instantly fall in love and begin to battle one another for her affection: first with words, and later with swords. Arcite gets banished, but instead competes in athletic games to win service under Emilia. Meanwhile, the Jailer’s Daughter, who is in love with Palamon, helps him escape. The cousins find each other in the woods and begin their fighting afresh. When Theseus, Hippolyta, and Emilia come upon their combat in the woods, Theseus declares that either Emilia must choose one of the men and the other dies, or they can fight for her hand. They choose to fight one another and the combat ensues a few days later. As I mentioned, the ending is really only semi-satisfying, but it’s also so emotionally beautiful that you truly hope the characters will be happy. Of course there are a few subplots and vignettes to provide comic relief amongst the courtly matters and enhance the main plot line.
Photo by Kyle Purcell
The minimalist design for the show is perfect; while we’re easily able to differentiate the characters based on the costuming, we‘re also able to wholly focus on the characters and the story they’re telling. Watching them put on their costumes, and then participate in a pre-show jig, add beautiful layers of meta-theatricality as well as keeping true to practices of the day. The creative team, helmed by James Wallis, have once again given us an expertly told story, and their passion for telling these stories is evident in every aspect of the production. Also, I want to give a special acknowledgement to James Wallis, who took over stage-management duties for opening night. These types of scenarios are the stuff of pre-show stress-dreams and yet Wallis handled it with grace and professionalism. Bravo, good sir!
Photo by Kyle Purcell
The Two Noble Kinsmen boasts a strong cast of wildly talented actors. Emilio Vieira and Michael Man star as the titular cousins Palamon and Arcite. Vieira’s command of the stage and language make his performance unforgettable. Man’s bright expressions and earnestness as Arcite make him immediately endearing. Kate Martin plays Emilia, their love; her elegance and poise are a joy to watch. On the comedic end of the spectrum, there’s Steven Hao, as the wooer of the jailer’s daughter as well as Pirithous. His performance radiates joy from start to finish, even when his shoe falls off part way through his lines. Daniel Briere also gives hilarious performances as the Jailer and Schoolmaster, both have brilliant comedic moments and Briere certainly capitalizes on them! Bridging the gap between the two is Julia Nish-Lapidus as the Jailer’s Daughter; oscillating between tragic and funny, sweet and sad, this character is one of the better written in the play. Nish-Lapidus delivers these monologues masterfully, making for another memorable performance. The entire company truly makes magic with this production; each performance is nuanced, complex, and refreshing.
The Two Noble Kinsmen has certainly cemented itself amongst my favourites in the cannon thanks to this production. Charming, exciting, and moving, The Two Noble Kinsmen is certainly not a production to be missed! Tickets are selling out fast, so make sure you get yours ASAP. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.shakespearebashd.com/the-two-noble-kinsmen.html
Cover Photo: Kate Martin, Emilio Vieira, and Michael Man. Photo by Kyle Purcell
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