If you think you've seen Shakespeare in every possible arena, you might want to think again.
This weekend, Fremont wanderers and theater buffs alike can witness one of the more innovative recreations of Shakespeare's "As You Like It." Where might one encounter such a phenomenon? You might want to check around the city's most lovable curmudgeon.
Work It Productions will present the fourth annual Shakespeare on the Troll beginning Saturday, June 16, in conjunction with the Fremont Fair's Summer Solstice celebration.
ENGAGING THE AUDIENCE
Former Fremont resident Carolynne Wilcox first conceived the idea of Shakespeare on the Troll in 2004, when she and her crew - with the help of Theatre Unlocked - recreated "A Midsummer Night's Dream." They chose the Summer Solstice weekend to unveil their masterpiece.
"She had this great, whimsical thought," said Jen Anderson, co-founder of Work It Productions and co-producer of the play. "She thought it was such a great place to perform [the play,] and it just kind of stuck around."
Director Jake Merriman, who has worked with both Work It and Theatre Unlocked in the past, said, "Shakespeare put a great emphasis on engaging the character and the audience. In being on the Troll, you can really take it to the audience and involve them as if they're a part of the play."
Work It Productions, founded last March, now looks to carry the flame ignited by Wilcox and Theatre Unlocked in their first year producing Shakespeare on the Troll.
AN ENIGMATIC VENUE
While Merriman and Anderson both view the Troll as a great asset to the production, they understand that the Fremont landmark can be equally as detrimental to the play.
"Some people forget that we're going to be there," said a chuckling Merriman, "so they'll stop by and check out the Troll and want to take a photo. We're the guests; we're the one's bothering the area, so we try not to impede on anyone."
Work It quickly found out that the Troll is a true enigma. Anderson admitted that getting permission to perform on the 2-ton ferroconcrete mass has been quite difficult to obtain.
"No one seems to know who the Troll really belongs to," said Anderson, now in her third year working with the Troll. "It's a public art piece maintained by the Fremont Arts Council, but the surrounding area's property of the Department of Transportation.
Both sound and stage design were also issues for the company as it looked to take on the task of performing theater's most beloved playwrights. While the Troll's location provides somewhat of a natural amphitheater in its design, wind and the overhead traffic can become a burdening factor. Work It's abridged version of the play will require no engineering or backdrops - simply well-trained actors and props.
"We rely solely on the talent for scenery change," Anderson said. "Since we're a small company, the Troll's presence as a backdrop lends to our budget."
For Merriman, who makes his directorial debut, a great emphasis was placed on the play's language. Nearly one-third of the eight-week rehearsal process was dedicated exclusively to the text itself. "I've really put all my directorial eggs in the language basket, so to speak," he said. "If you don't communicate the language [to the audience], you're not doing the play its justice!"
"As You Like It" can be seen Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. through July 15, starting Saturday, June 16. Admission is free, but donations are requested. The Troll is located underneath the Aurora Bridge, at North 36th Street and Troll Avenue North.
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