The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 17.1053  Friday, 24 November 2006

From: 		Terence Hawkes <
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Date: 		Thursday, 23 Nov 2006 15:15:14 -0000
Subject: 	Russian 'Twelfth Night'

Yes, the BBC spoke of a performance in Kabul in 2005. A production of 
'Love's Labour's Lost', set in Afghanistan and translated into the Dari 
language, played to packed audiences there.  The plot was recast to 
feature Afghan characters and locations. The feminine actors didn't use 
veils or the burqua, and were able to flirt roundly with their colleagues. 
This of course would not usually be allowed beyond the playhouse. 
Co-adaptor Steven Landrigan seemed undismayed. "Shakespeare is so 
adaptable because he writes universal truths of human experience," he 
claimed.

As for politics, let's not be too crude. The performance, lasting five 
nights, was sponsored by the British Council. For the Americans, the BBC 
reports, the US Agency for International Development has already started 
to use troupes of actors in rural areas. It aims to stage plays to educate 
people on forthcoming elections. Who says Shakespeare doesn't support 
democracy? You can bet your life that 'Theater' does. To the last hurrah.

T. Hawkes

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