Act V Theatre Co. announced its fall play would be “I Hate Shakespeare.”
The announcement came Sept. 15, two days before auditions began in Ceddia Union Building (CUB) Room 103 on Sept. 17 and 18.
The show is being directed by Emily Sterner, who for the first time is taking on directing a show instead of acting in it.
Even though the play is in its early stage of rehearsals, Sterner has enjoyed her first time directing so far.
“I’ve enjoyed every part so far, but I especially enjoy being at rehearsal with everyone. As an actor, I’m usually focused on just my part, but as director I get to see the whole picture. My cast’s energy is just amazing. They make every scene they read come to life,” Sterner said.
“I Hate Shakespeare” is a play for those who love and hate William Shakespeare. Emily decided on the play after a long search of what genre to pick.
“When I was looking for a play to do this fall, I had no idea what I was looking for. I didn’t know whether to do a drama or a comedy, or something in between. But as I searched around, I found this show, ‘I Hate Shakespeare,’” Sterner said. “The description sounded entertaining and funny, and as I looked further into it, I realized that it was the show I wanted to do.”
“I Hate Shakespeare,” by Steph DeFerie, is all about the works of Shakespeare and why it can be a pain to read. However, it also praises his work. According to the description of the play from Origintheatre.com, it combines comedy and drama as the audience bonds over having to read his works that includes zombies and talking cows.
Sterner best described it as Monty Python comedy, which is a British comedy group that has a famous television series.
“The best way I can describe this play is an American version of Monty Python. It definitely pokes fun at the playwright,” Sterner said. “Everyone had to read Shakespeare in high school or college, but it also celebrates his works. It’s a show for both people who love Shakespeare and hate him.”
“I Hate Shakespeare” will run Nov. 21 through 23 at 8 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium.
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