Oxford University students are working with Sir Gregory Doran, the former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, on a new production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
The Oxford Playhouse and University of Oxford students and the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor & Drama Funds and St Catherine’s College, Oxford, co-production takes to the stage from Wednesday, May 15th, and running until Saturday, May 18th.
This is one of Shakespeare’s most rarely performed plays and explores the themes of friendship, love and betrayal and finally reconciliation.
What happens when you fall in love with your best friend’s girlfriend?
This modern retelling follows Valentine as he moves from his small hometown to the exciting city of Milan where he falls in love with the wealthy Silvia. Meanwhile his best friend Proteus, leaves behind his girlfriend Julia, and follows him to Milan, but things become complicated when Proteus also becomes obsessed with Silvia. A complex tale of passion and disguise unfolds as young adults navigate desire, consent, and the limits of friendship.
The production aims to embrace the relevance of the play for young people today. Enhancing the energy and atmosphere of one of Shakespeare’s earlier works, The Two Gentlemen of Verona includes performers in drag and even features a live dog who takes on the role of the mischievous Crab.
Greg Doran said:
“Two Gents explores the challenges of young people setting out in the world – leaving home, trying to make their way, falling in love, making mistakes. As students have that lived experience, it is vital that how the production looks and sounds and feels reflects that experience.”
Each year, Oxford Playhouse works with students from the University of Oxford on a co-production model to put on a play on the Main Stage. Supported by the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund, this allows students to gain insight into all aspects of professional theatre, working with industry professionals. Students have been involved in every part of the production, from performance to design and technical roles.
Tickets for The Two Gentlemen of Verona start at £14 and are available from the Box Office on 01865 305305, or can be booked online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Who is Sir Gregory Doran?
Gregory Doran has been described as “one of the great Shakespearians of his generation” (The Sunday Times). He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as an actor in 1987 and became its Artistic Director in 2012. Notable productions include Antony and Cleopatra with Harriet Walter and Patrick Stewart; Hamlet with David Tennant; All’s Well that Ends Well with Judi Dench; and The Tempest with Simon Russell Beale. Greg’s long relationship with his late husband, Antony Sher, produced acclaimed productions of Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, Henry IV (I&II) and King Lear. Cymbeline in 2023 marked his 50th production for the RSC. Greg’s latest book My Shakespeare: A Director’s Journey through the First Folio was published last year and comes out in paperback this summer.
He is the current Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at the University of Oxford. An outstanding Shakespearian with an illustrious career. He is the first Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor to direct a student production as part of his tenure.
