Shakespeare – one of those perilous topics discussed in school, one would think. But who
knew that Shakespeare could also bring a smile to the faces of a whole auditorium of
students? On October 13th 2011 the “Wilde Shamrock Touring Theatre” (WSTT) came to our
school and performed “The Life and times of William Shakespeare (as told by Wilde
Shamrock!!!)”, achieving exactly that. With humor and skill the four member actors made us
students of the Friedrich-Abel-Gymnasium (Germany) a bit more familiar with the works and
writes of William Shakespeare.
WSTT smartly started their piece, not with an average reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s life,
but with an everyday scene: A group of four actors is desperately trying to stage a proper
Shakespearian play. As they rehearse, they realize how little they actually know about the
author. To educate themselves, they spontaneously initiate an additional production, giving
a synopsis of Shakespeare’s life. They start with a most spectacular birth; continue with his
awkward wedding to Anne Hathaway; then give a rundown of his time in London; and
conclude with his return to the family at old age. The attention is redirected to the present
time, when the actors finish and compliment themselves on a successful rehearsal. As a
reference to the beginning of the piece, they then flawlessly perform Play of Pyramus and
Thisbe from “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”. For a culmination WSTT finally rocks the stage
with a well-received modern pop song!
Through an interesting story the WSTT delivers useful information about Shakespeare’s life
and gives a rudimentary impression of his works. The Wilde Shamrock is true to traditional
Shakespeare, letting men take on female parts, while adding on an own modern touch to
the picture. A skillful combination of hip musical elements, acting talent and dynamic
interaction with the audience keeps the performance alive. Throughout the piece a playful
mixture of tragedy and comedy, salted with adequate use of exaggeration demonstrates a
well-employed humor. Overall impressive style is used to create an enlightening theatre
experience for advanced English speakers of all ages.
Seeing how you might be the one lucky person called onto the stage to take part in live Irish
theatre, it is well worth sitting out the rather long duration of the piece. In this regard let
both Shakespeare friends and foes be encouraged to accompany four actors back in time, to
explore the life of William Shakespeare.