Dark side brilliant for the Bard

It's an interesting concept.

Shakespeare performed in the dark, inside an old flour mill, with nothing but the simplest sets and some pretty outstanding lighting to mask the mill's floorboards and concrete walls.

But you know what? It works brilliantly.

Invercargill's Lazerland is the perfect setting for Shakespeare in the Dark.

For fans of traditional Shakespeare, the show has the right stuff – language, costumes, plenty of swooning and sighing and melodrama. For fans of something a little more modern, the lighting and special effects hit the spot.

The plays follows the last few moments of Shakespeare on this mortal coil and, as the angel of death comes knocking, tracks his life's memorable moments.

There are also run-ins with some of the Bard's characters, many of whom have suffered unthinkable agony at the hand of the playwright's genius, their violent ends highlighted for audience members by the copious amounts of fake blood and tortured screams that dominate the scenes.

Unlike traditional theatre, audience members move through a rabbit warren of sets, each bringing to life its own story.

Cackling witches beckon forth audience members, while screaming and moaning characters from Shakespeare's bloodier plays call for help. The audience receives a respite from the gore and angst in a garden setting, complete with black light effects, bubbles and a dancer who twirls glow-in-the-dark flags.

The combined effect is brilliant, and while there is potential for the public to be confused about when to move, cues such as an opening door or, more obviously, a beckoning grim reaper (scythe and all), made Thursday night's dress rehearsal and first performance in front of an audience run smoothly.

Being so close to the action means the public can peer closely into the lives of the characters portrayed, and, in some cases, even become part of the scene. Scary for some, excitingly fun for others.

So whether or not you are a fan of Shakespeare, Shakespeare in the Dark offers audiences a unique theatrical experience.

Be prepared for a fright, be prepared to laugh. And be prepared to go home thinking you want to see it again.

Shakespeare in the Dark opens to the public tonight and runs nightly until February 19.

Tickets are available from the Invercargill I-site.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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