Maryland Shakespeare Festival

Riotous Youth Mount a 1920s Twelfth Night

The 1920s provides a jazz-inspired atmosphere for Maryland Shakespeare Festival's Riotous Youth production of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy Twelfth Night.

The Riotous Youth program puts the classics in the hands of Maryland youth age 10 to 18, allowing them to learn the beauty, versatility, and meaning of Shakespeare's language. They explore the text and channel their own experiences to breathe life into a play.

So much of Twelfth Night's story resonates with the 1920s period, when women became more independent and started dressing in a different fashion as well as taking on jobs, just as Viola is required to do.

Twelfth Night performances will be at the Cultural Arts Center in downtown Frederick, 15 West Patrick St., on Friday, May 18, at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. A post-show discussion with the audience, director, and young actors will follow the Saturday matinee. Tickets are $10. Reserve in advance by calling 301-668-4090.

Riotous Youth is Maryland Shakespeare Festival's longstanding educational program that uses the same mission and training as the festival's professional company but adapted for young people. Riotous Youth stages two productions per season under the guidance of the festival's seasoned professionals.

May 10, 2012

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