reviewvancouver: Studio 58 - Troilus & Cressida

Troilus & Cressida is one of Shakespeare's ambiguous plays and has been described by famous English scholars as one of his “problem plays”. Theatre-goers have frequently found it confusing as to how one is meant to respond to the scenes. This is because the audience finds it difficult to follow the many characters' cumbersome words and actions that keep lurching from bawdy comedy to war and tragedy.

Much credit must be given to the young actors from Studio 58 for their great ability to remember so many verses and act with so much enthusiasm. Special mention goes to Raylene Harewood (Cressida) and Teo Saefkow (Troilus) for their clarity of words and matching emotional fervour. Zack Currie (Pandarus) acted with a lot of energy and conviction and so did Sabrina Auclair (Andromache, Hector's wife). All the cast gave a performance that merit recognition and praise.

The costumes depicting the 1600's, were lovely and the swords and other gadgets e.g. lightbulbs, made the play authentic for the era. The set and props all added to the reality of the scenes.

The actors tried hard to modernize the language sometimes using the “F'' word or other 'modern' swearing that I felt did not add in anyway, to the clarity of the play. The actors also tried to mingle with the audience and worked hard to involve them in the acting. As a result, I found it even more difficult to follow the long, confusing story-line as too many threads were competing for attention.

This is a play according to the Director, Kevin Bennett that is trying to “explore some of our deepest fears about love and relationships in our personal lives and explores the links between internal pain manifesting in external turmoil.”

If you want to support young, talented actors go see the play.