Globe Ensemble Berlin: „Was Ihr wollt“ von William Shakespeare / Twelfe Night, Or what you will

(bilingual German/English)

“As You Like It” is THE classic Shakespearean comedy, which remains politically relevant even today and is much more than “just” a comedy. The play portrays a diverse, multicultural society in which initial turmoil is resolved through understanding and reconciliation.

The production is being created in collaboration with the renowned British Shakespeare specialist Ben Crystal, who is directing in Berlin for the first time. He is himself an actor at the Globe Theatre in London and an internationally sought-after director. The version presented by the Globe Ensemble derives its special appeal from its bilingual nature and takes an innovative, intercultural approach. A particular focus of the project is on working with language and sound. Ben Crystal, known for his research into the original pronunciation of Elizabethan English, will offer the audience an authentic and vibrant interpretation of Shakespeare’s work.

What it’s about:

A pair of twins are shipwrecked and end up separated in Illyria. Viola disguises herself as a man and serves Duke Orsino, who tasks her with wooing Olivia—who, however, falls in love with Viola. When Viola’s brother Sebastian arrives, a turbulent series of misunderstandings ensues. Meanwhile, Olivia’s uncle Toby, his friend Andrew, and a plan for revenge against the prudish Malvolio add to the chaos.