"Twelfth Night" (2019)

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Alissa Mortimer

Scenic Design by Nathan Hatfield

Lighting Design by Josh Robbins

Costume Design by Ciara Smith

TWELFTH NIGHT - 1/4” = 1’0”

OU's 'Twelfth Night' provides opportunity for reflection, laughs

NORMAN — The OU University Theatre and Helmerich School of Drama’s production of “Twelfth Night,” directed by Alissa Mortimer, is as fun as it is challenging and as comedic as it is thought-provoking, a tangled knot of misplaced, yet sometimes requited, love.

Considered one of William Shakespeare’s comedic masterpieces, “Twelfth Night” tells the story of shipwrecked twins who think each other dead. One, Viola (Alexis Pudvan), disguises herself as a man to gain employment with Illyria’s Duke Orsino (Bryan Lewis), and finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with Orsino and the lady Olivia (Madison Penzkover).

The other, Sebastian (Nick Hone) makes his way to Illyria and is confused for his sister (who is masquerading as a man, remember). Shakesperean hijinks ensue.

…

Nathan Hatfield’s set seems simple, but when you consider its remarkable efficiency — it functions equally well as a ship, a beach and a noble woman’s garden with only minor prop changes — it’s quite impressive. Ciara Smith’s costumes are evocative of the time period, and excellent lighting by Joshua Robbins directs all your focus exactly where he wants it.

“As a director, I am interested in the shipwreck that begins the play and the water imagery that is repeated throughout in the language of the play,” Mortimer said. “This imagery, and this idea of water and reflection, became a springboard for our scenic, costume and lighting designers. We see Illyria as a land of fantasy and blurred lines, of sand and water. This fanciful setting is an excellent playground for creativity in rehearsal.”

- Caleb Slinkard for The Norman Transcript