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Shakespeare at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
An Unmissable Summer Indulgence
By Crystal A. Johnson
Shakespeare posed the question, "To be or not to be" and to see the legacy of his work at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon answers the Shakespeare's question with a resounding "to be." The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is a delightful place. Cymbeline, Julius Caesar, and A Midnight's Summer's Dream can be seen until the end of September. Watching productions there gives one the feeling of being in an enchanted forest. Sometimes there are melodious carolers in costume performing before the show. By day the butterflies abound and by night the air of romance heightens. There are picnic tables scattered through the grounds. Regulars come prepared with loafs of bread, wine and cheese to enjoy among friends. There is a concession stand, which sells snacks, coffee and hot cider for the cool summer nights. The location is virtually hidden like a best kept secret. Traveling there involves going south of Ventura Blvd, following winding roads into the hills and there is a most peculiar marker just before reaching the destination in the form of flying pig on a pole.
I had the pleasure of seeing Cymbeline in the daytime and the opening night performance of Julius Caesar. These productions have wonderful costumes and innovative use of props. Each plays has plenty of well-choreographed battle scenes. Each night the actors who inhabit the role of soldiers may have a new partner to do the fight scene using shields and sword which means they have rehearse the choreography each time. What is also grandly eye catching is the use of the grounds beyond the stage, which is nestled in the woods. It is like watching a movie on a big screen because the scope of where the eye gets to follow action is immense. The use of the woods contributes to a scene of adventure.
Cymbeline is more an obscure work by William Shakespeare. Ask around and most people have never heard of the work. Cymbeline is a somewhat historical piece in regards to history of the war in the play. It is also the story of King Cymbeline's family and his daughter, Imogen who secretly weds a man of low birth. Their romance is forbidden and tested with trial after trial. As in most Shakespeare's works there are plenty of twists, turns, and deceit. The stage and grounds offer a mystical air. Looking to left, I could see the moon in the afternoon sky and wondered how lovely this place be to catch a show a night.
My imagination did not fail when entering the grounds for the opening night production of Julius Caesar. Strings of lights provide a festive atmosphere on the picnic grounds just before entering to view the dark political thriller. Julius Caesar revolves around group of aristocrats and senators who feel so opposed that they are prepared to assassinate Caesar rather than have a single ruler. Brutus played by Matt Ducati, gives another fine performance. He also plays Guiderius the love interest of Imogen in Cymbeline. The play grabs you with it abundant cast of extras and extremely talented leads. Two of the main actors from Cymbeline have lead roles in the production of Julius Caesar. I prefer the complex story of Julius Caesar to Cymbeline. Nevertheless, both plays are good. Caius Cassius is played by a talented actress by the name of Melora Marshall. However, I could not help but long for a male to play the part throughout the play. It seems to me to be an essential energy needed propel the story. Conversely, my guest thought Marshall did not miss a beat playing the part Cassius.
Opening with a bang on July 4th is A Midnight's Summer's Dream. Fans of A Midnight's Summer's Dream should definitely catch this play at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum . I cannot speak about this particular production as of yet. But the grounds, directing and acting components are of superior standard and will contribute to an outstanding production.
There are five plays in the 2009 Summer Repertory Season. In addition to Shakespearian works are Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard and Moliere's The Miser. There also family "Fundays" (Saturday and Sunday morning plays and concerts for kids with Creative Playground and Pete Alsop's Kid Koncerts). The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd in Topanga, midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura (101) Freeway. Audiences are advised to dress warmly for evening performances. For more information call (310) 455-3723 or go to www.theatricum.com.