It’s always a treat to be able to watch a play unfold at the “Old Zoo” location of Independent Shakespeare’s outdoor performances. Their production of Comedy of Errors, onstage now, may be the last in this space, as their more permanent stage is presently being prepared nearby. So, to take full advantage of the hills and dales of the Old Zoo area, their comedy has been expanded to include original music, brilliantly performed by composer/co-artistic director, David Melville, with Chanteuse, Kalean Ung.
Shakespeare famously took two plays of Roman comic playwright, Plautus, and conflated the number of twins involved, to double the confusion — and the fun— of the story of one twins’ search for his long-lost brother. In the Indie Shakes’ version, the action takes place on the day of a fictional religious “festival of Phanourios.” We watch as participants swarm over the stage and around the audience, gathering garlands, decorating pillars, and making preparations for the event. It is appropriate that the action is set on the island of Ephesus, as the platform stage centering the action almost looks like it’s afloat on a grassy sea, surrounded by the blankets and picnic baskets of the audience.
Gradually, we are familiarized with the main problem: Antipholus of Syracuse (Patrick Batiste) has arrived with his servant Dromio (James Sandoval) in search of his long-lost twin, who is rumored to reside in the town. Of course, due to his uncanny resemblance, this Antipholus is soon mistaken for the Ephesian Antipholus (Brent Charles) along with his own Dromio (Brian Tran). The comedy of errors also involves Antipholus’ wife, Adriana (Bukola Ogunmoia), her sister, Luciana (Carene Rose Merkertichyan) and even a courtesan, Perdita (Anushka Shah). Needless to say, there is plenty of misunderstandings and comic standing-in of one twin-set for another, along with a love story of one twin, along with a love-reunion of the other. Are you confused yet?
Under the direction of Co-Artistic Director, Melissa Chalsma, Indie Shakes’group of designers and technicians are instrumental in making it all happen. Significantly, BinhAn Nguyen commandeered his group of decorators to do the job, while lighting designer Bosco Flanagan had the unenviable task, not only lighting the space but also the musicians and significant pathways. I still wonder where the power came from! The vaguely late-40s costuming comes from Danica Martino, while the all-important sound, both personal mikes for each actor, and overall musical volumes, courtesy of Chloe Pate at the behest of music director, David Beukers. As always, a truly wonderful performance “takes a village.”
Comedy of Errors continues Wednesday through Sunday at 7 pm in the Dell at the Old Zoo location in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California 90027, through Sept. 6th. (Free parking available at the Merry-Go-Round, lots 2 & 3). Be sure to arrive early to walk up to the site. General admission is FREE on the slopes surrounding the platform-in-the -round, but reservations are requested. Call 818-710-6306 or reserve online at www.indieshakes.org.
