Shakespeare’s Star Wars. A mash-up play in a pub, this is.

Do you know any fanatic almost psychotic Star Wars obsessed fans? We want to hear from you- email contentproducer@thesilo.ca. inkblot.com: "The inkblot test (also called the "Rorschach" test) is a method of psychological evaluation. Psychologists use this test in an attempt to examine the personality characteristics and emotional functioning of their patients. This test is often employed in diagnosing underlying thought disorders and differentiating psychotic from non-psychotic thinking in cases where the patient is reluctant to openly admit to psychotic thinking."
Do you know any fanatic almost psychotic Star Wars obsessed fans? We want to hear from you- email contentproducer@thesilo.ca.
inkblot.com: “The inkblot test (also called the “Rorschach” test) is a method of psychological evaluation. Psychologists use this test in an attempt to examine the personality characteristics and emotional functioning of their patients. This test is often employed in diagnosing underlying thought disorders and differentiating psychotic from non-psychotic thinking in cases where the patient is reluctant to openly admit to psychotic thinking.”
Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away.........
Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away………

Non-geek translation: Driftwood Theatre’s Play in a Pub, William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, by Ian DoescherOctober 28, 2013 at Whistler’s Grille in Toronto. [For the uninitiated be forewarned, there is a high geek factor in this post CP]

A long time ago, in 1977, Star Wars started its quick and never-ending ascent to the top of the science fiction film genre.  How many people alive when the original Star Wars: A New Hope was released thought that our children (and for some, grandchildren) would still be wanting to be Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker for Halloween? It is a rare child in Canada who has not owned a lightsaber.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Shakespeare. There are people who look forward to watching or reading Shakespeare about as much as they look forward to car repairs. Shakespeare can be seen as highbrow art which does not make sense. Why would someone watch a movie or play in an almost different language?

This is where Driftwood Theatre Group brilliantly played their hand. Using a book by Ian Doescher called, “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars,” Driftwood brought Star Wars geeks to play with Shakespeare lovers.

Everyone on both sides of the fence was blown away (no pun intended, poor Alderaan and Death Star).

Lines from Star Wars plays were eagerly anticipated, by some who were on the edge of their seats (One thing’s for certain, we’ll all be a lot thinner). But when those infamous lines were said, it had dramatic and, yes, Shakespearean flair (One thing is certain, we shall thinner be).

And there was laughter – from everyone!

There were also famous lines from Shakespeare plays which made Shakespeare lovers happy, (I bite my thumb at you, sir! Alas, poor stormtrooper, I never knew thee. Friends. Rebels, Starfighters, lend me your ears!)

Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.
Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was also the formidable acting in the show which raised the play to mountainous heights. It was performed as a reading, with all actors reading directly from the book.  It was enticing, enthralling, and highly entertaining. Dion Johnstone, who played a fantastic Han Solo, withheld laughter to the point where he looked like he would lose it, but never really did.

This play was a fundraiser for Driftwood Theatre [https://www.thesilo.ca/?s=driftwood+theater&x=0&y=0]. The evening included the reading, a silent auction, costume contest (sad point of the night, there were very few people in costume – it is Halloween time, people!).

The highlight of the night, for very lucky people, was the auctioning off of 3 walk-on role, Rebel, Imperial, or Interesting Creatures in the play. We (yes, I was a lucky one) were able to say such lines as, “UTINI!” and “This is a consular ship…” and, “Why aren’t you at your post?” I was Jawa #2 and the Innkeeper at Mos Eisley.

Star Wars Live Pub Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a truly incredible experience, watching Star Wars and Shakespeare geeks unite for 3 hours of Shakespeare/Star Wars bliss.

I just have one question for D. Jeremy Smith, Artistic Director of Driftwood Theatre. That is – When is it happening again?  I have more children and friends who want to see it! For the Silo, Stephanie MacDonald. @mytimeatlast

 

 

Rock Universe Simcoe

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