Q&A | Classical Theatre Project: The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)

This month, Toronto’s Casa Loma plays host to the Classical Theatre Project‘s latest production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), a popular show that was once London’s longest-running comedy. Here, we chat with Canada’s only classical repertory dedicated to performing for student audiences to find out what they stand for and why you should go see 37 of Shakespeare’s plays performed in 97 minutes.

Theatromania: Tell us about the Classical Theatre Project, what inspired this initiative?

CTP: Classical Theatre Project (CTP) was founded in 2001, and has played to over 500,000 audience members across Canada and the U.S. Our manifesto is simple:
We believe that young people should experience Shakespeare live. We believe that people of all backgrounds can recognize themselves and their world in Shakespeare’s plays.
We believe that by using theatre to stimulate, entertain, and inspire, we can increase our audiences’ confidence and cultural literacy.

Theatromania: What is it about CTP’s approach that makes Shakespeare exciting and accessible to young people?

CTP: We believe that classical texts can be accessible to everyone. CTP builds clear, entertaining productions using the original text and author’s intent. Director Charles Roy says: “For students, Hamlet doesn’t have to be the Prince of Denmark. He is a young man who has lost his father and doesn’t get along with his family. Our production of this classic story shows students that they have more in common with Shakespeare’s characters than they think.”

In Shakespeare’s time, the Globe was a raucous, boisterous theatre where the greatest actors of the day performed not just to royalty but to everyday people. The stories are as entertaining now as they were then—if we treat them as entertainment rather than sacred text. Or simply, as one high school teacher said to me: “You give the audience permission to have fun!”

Theatromania: How does The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) manage to pack 37 plays into 97 minutes?

CTP: The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) is a fast-paced, irreverent romp through Shakespeare’s entire canon of work performed by three actors. This seems like a huge challenge, but CTP ensemble members Matt Drappel, Kevin Ritchie and Jeff Hanson are up to the task. With some help from rubber chickens, wigs and tights, the actors portray each of the 37 plays in unusual ways.

The show works because the audience buys into the challenge that the actors are facing and cheers them on as they run, rap and reduce their way through 37 plays. Filled with humour of all kinds, we think Shakespeare would enjoy the fact that we love his plays so much that we would perform them ALL in one night.

Theatromania: Tell us about CTP’s partnership with Casa Loma. Why did the company decide to stage the production in that particular location?

CTP: What could be a better setting for all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays than Toronto’s one-and-only castle? We thought that Casa Loma’s garden terrace would be a romantic and beautiful setting, the perfect place to celebrate and desecrate Shakespeare’s work. The staff at Casa Loma, have been wonderful to work with and very supportive of the show and the company.

Theatromania: What’s next for CTP?

CTP: We are very excited about our 2012/13 season. Our new partnership with the Toronto Centre for the Arts will bring our productions to their main stage. Recent home of Broadway hits like Jersey Boys, the Toronto Centre for the Arts is a truly epic place for us to stage Macbeth, Hamlet and Twelfth Night for a whole new audience. We are also branching out beyond Shakespeare to include other relevant world classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This new adaptation, featuring gospel music, will embark on a multi-city tour of the United States this fall.

Stay connected with CTP by “liking” them on Facebook (facebook.com/classicaltheatreproject) or following them on Twitter (@theCTP) and be the first to hear about exciting new developments. The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) plays Aug 29, 30, 31 and Sept 5, 14 and 21 at Casa Loma. Call 416-915-6750 for tickets, or visit completeworksabridged.com. Discount promo code: SKULL.

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