Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night came to life at Curtin University in this vibrant production directed by Michael McCall. Well presented, it explored the non-binary nature of human affection, swinging from high comedy to tragedy with energy and verve.

Presented on a simple but effective multi-level set by Sam Bar-Ari and Analisa Cicchini, a thoughtful lighting design from Hayley Smith adds to our emotion. Costumes are modern with a retro twist, well designed and sourced by Kiri Siva, Olivia Fellows and Samantha Dewar.

Rebecca Haywood is a likeable central character, playing Viola and her alter-ego Cesario, with dignity and earnestness. She is nicely matched by Rhys Healy as twin brother Sebastian.

Olivia, centre of a love triangle (or two) is given an elegant and initially composed performance by Elysha Hayes - charting a lovely journey, as she is pursued by Orsino (nicely played by Benjamin Taylor), while she only has eyes for the prettiest youth Cesario.

This production has switched the genders of several characters. Most notably Malvolio becomes Malvolia. Expertly played by Cat Broom, this means that the unrequited love from Malvolia to Olivia now becomes distinctly queer in a play where the other queer relationships are “accidental”. It works very well. Interestingly though, the teasing (or bullying) of Malvolia seems more cruel and harmful than it has in other productions - partly because she is more obviously “othered” but also because Cat Broom’s performance is so strong. 

The mischief makers responsible for Malvolia’s demise are Maria, given cleverness and spark by Jade Woodhouse, Sir Toby Belch played with convincing inebriation by Alex Comstock and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, given campish likeability by Oliver Charlton.

Chiara Had gives Shakespeare’s unfunniest clown Feste some lovely Bohemian charm and provides some smiles, with the cast well completed by Tully Jones as Valentine and the Officer, Angus Price as Fabian and the Sea Captain, Adam Gannon as Antonio, and a cameo from Deputy Stage Manager Cait Griffiths.

This is a production that was easy to watch and that felt fresh, dynamic, and contemporary throughout. A thoughtful, clever, and entertaining rendition of Twelfth Night.

Kimberley Shaw