“William” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Subculture
“William” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Subculture Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jan-Erik Saaf (Translated from the Swedish by Owen Robertson) Directed by Andreas Boomstra Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
Although there are not as many theories about William Shakespeare’s identity, writing, and sexual proclivities as there are his sonnets, the number of stories about him is formidable. Was he gay? Did he write everything attributed to him? Was he one person or perhaps more than one? Indeed, did this bard even exist?
Jon-Erik Saaf attempts to take away some of the confusion and mystery in his musical “William” by having the iconic Shakespeare tell his own story. Based on Shakespeare’s sonnets, the musical allows Shakespeare to relate his experiences of love and intrigue with the “Dark Lady” and the Earl of Southampton. Accompanied by an exquisite string quartet, Jonas Nerbe distinguishes himself as William Shakespeare. Mr. Nerbe shines in his portrayal of the Bard and exposes Shakespeare’s self-doubt, his struggle with writing the sonnets, his arguments with Marlowe, his trips from London and back, his marriage, and his “affairs” with the Dark Lady and the Earl. His performance is authentic, full of charm and wit, and selfless: he is a joy to watch and to listen to.
Highlights of the performance were: Mr. Nebe’s singing Sonnet 18 - “Shall I compare thee” has rarely sounded so beautiful and it becomes evident that this sonnet could have been dedicated to a variety of persons as well as to his eternal craft; and his engaging story of the writing of “Romeo and Juliet.”
“William” celebrates not only the life of Shakespeare and his work but also consecrates an era of creativity and compassion, and era where “water cools not love” (Sonnet 154).
WILLIAM
“William” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Stockholm’s Musik Teater at Subculture, 45 Bleecker Street (at Lafayette Street).
The final performance of “William” took place on Sunday August 25th at 12:00 p.m. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.stockholmsmusikteater.nu/ For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Friday, August 30, 2013
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