The first virtual performance will be “As You Like It”, one of Shakespeare’s comedies; a female-driven story combining classic elements of romance and hidden identities. Banished from the only home she’s ever known, Rosalind assumes the identity of a man and escapes to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia and their fool Touchstone. While there, they run into other exiled folks from the old court, including the dashing and brave Orlando, who won Rosalind’s heart prior to her banishment, but he was too tongue-tied to express his love in return. Determined to woo him, Rosalind persuades Orlando in her male disguise to win her heart. For only if Orlando loves her as a man will Rosalind know he truly loves her.
National Players meld classic language with the contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s imaginative tale about city folk venturing into the woods. A romantic comedy about gender roles, losing oneself and discovering oneself anew.