People’s Light proclaims in its release that they are presenting a William Shakespeare play that “Explores Love, Power, and Identity.” I was ready for it because after seeing several of the bard’s tragedies in the past year, I was looking forward to the comedy that “Twelfth Night” is.
I often have trouble seeing plays by Shakespeare, and my most recent experiences were not favorable- actors just recited their lines. But “Twelfth Night,” on the stage at People’s Light, while not a comedy that keeps you laughing, IS smart and engaging. This topsy turvy play holds your interest once you get past the old language. And this rendition, a recent adaptation by Andrew Watring, who also directs it, is outstanding!
It begins with Viola being brought ashore after surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Illyria. In order to survive, she disguises herself as a man to work for the Duke of Orsino. The duke is in love with Olivia and uses Viola, who now goes under the name of Cesario, to tell Olivia of the Duke’s love. But Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not realizing that he is a she. Meanwhile, Viola falls in love with the duke, who in this modern version, is not a duke, but a hotel owner at the luxury Duke’s Palace Hotel in Croatia.
Then, there is a secondary story. Malvolio, who in the original, worked for Olivia, is on Orsino’s staff. In both versions, Malvolio is misled to believe that Olivia has a crush on him, as two other guests, Toby and Andrew, seek to humiliate him. It is rather broad slapstick with many sexual references. There is the fool, Feste, who in typical Shakespearean literature, is probably the wisest man on stage as he observes the goings on through his songs.
I was a bit confused for a time as to what was going on in what seemed like a set of wild stories, but was told by another person in the audience, that I was supposed to be confused.
Everything is out of joint. But through it all, I found it visually stunning, and the acting of the ensemble was first rate as this modern production captures the essence of the play by the Bard of Avon. I would offer two suggestions The first act is presented in an hour and a half and the second is less than an hour. I would have liked that for that first act to have been divided into two shorter acts, giving me more time to digest what was going on. But I did love the little adjustments made by Watring, which I dare not reveal. See for yourself how this game of musical chairs turns out.
One more suggestion before you go to see this unique, outstanding production. Read a summary of the play and get there early so you can read the most informative of programs.
“Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare adapted by Andrew Watring at People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, PA 19355, 610-644-3500, peopleslight.org Thru March 29, 2026
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 