February 11, 2024 | Theatre,

Exploring Shakespeare Through ArtsEmerson’s Innovative Adaptations

Duel Reality transforms Shakespeare’s famous rivalry between the Montagues and Capulets into a thrilling spectacle at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, running from February 7-18. This modern adaptation by The 7 Fingers merges immersive combat with storytelling, showcasing a fresh take on the classic love story. Here’s a closer look at ArtsEmerson’s innovative approach to reimagining Shakespeare’s classics:

Susurrus (May 2011)

Susurrus redefined theater in ArtsEmerson’s inaugural season by merging a radio play, recital, and guided park stroll, eliminating the need for actors or a conventional stage. Participants navigated Boston’s Public Garden with headphones, immersing themselves in a distinctive blend of narrative and environment where each audience member experienced the performance individually.

Twelfth Night (January 2016)

Filter Theatre’s Twelfth Night,  in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, brought a fresh take on Shakespeare’s comedy, infusing it with vibrant humor and an innovative approach. The adaptation challenged conventional expectations with a daring love triangle that played with gender roles, creating a night of delightful turmoil filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. This bold and playful rendition of the well-known tale was celebrated for its distinctive charm and vitality, uplifting audiences with its creative energy.

Hamlet (March 2018)

Bedlam’s adaptation of this seminal Shakespeare play employed a unique performance style, with just four actors covering all 25 roles, effectively capturing the drama’s intense emotions and intricate storyline. This hit performance was done in in repertory with George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan, with 4 actors playing all 49 characters across the two plays.

Hamnet (September 2018)

Although not a classic adaption of a Shakespeare play, Hamnet, which was the first performance in ArtsEmerson’s 2018/2019 season, explored the true story of the famous playwright’s only son. This show was praised as “haunting, funny, and complex” and received five Irish Times Theatre Awards nominations, including Best Production and Best Actor.

American Moor (April 2019)

Keith Hamilton Cobb’s tour-de-force performance of American Moor depicted the reality of an actor forced to confront racism and prejudice while auditioning for Othello, coming into conflict with a white director’s limited perspective. The powerful performance merged a tense audition with insightful humor, critiquing the theater world’s lack of inclusivity.

Don’t miss your chance to experience ArtsEmerson’s latest Shakespearean adaptation with Duel Reality. This performance, already a hit with the The Boston Globe, is selling quickly, so be sure to secure your seats soon – for more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtsEmerson or contact the Box Office directly. Join us for a performance that bridges classic narratives with contemporary artistry!