Innovative and magical Shakespeare

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HARARE - Over The Edge once again turn their extraordinary creative talents to Shakespeare, bringing us an innovative and magical Much Ado About Nothing. Over The Edge are famous for adding their distinctive African edge to Shakespeare while maintaining the classical integrity of his text. The dynamic company has a reputation for creating inspiring and technically excellent work while always providing their audience with an exhilarating night out. This captivating comedy, directed by Zane E. Lucas, runs at the Harare International School from 25 - 30 September and is scheduled for the UK and Germany next March.
Much Ado About Nothing is an endearing and enduring comedy about love and gossip. It’s frivolous gaiety makes it one of the most accessible Shakespeare’s and brings us some of his best-loved characters. Many people will remember the movie with Emma Thompson and Kenneth Brannagh: expect something completely different, and just as entertaining... With the use of masks and ingenious set design the six-strong cast bring the multitude of characters to life. Placed in dry, dusty Messina - on the border of Zimbabwe and South Africa - this interpretation has a southern African flavour.
The story unfolds as Prince Don Pedro of Aragon returning victorious from a battle against his brother, visits his old friend Leonato. Claudio, the Prince’s right-hand man, falls in love with Leonato’s daughter Hero. When his good friend Benedick scorns marriage, Don Pedro and Claudio hatch a plot to make the obdurate Benedick and an equally feisty Beatrice, Hero’s cousin, fall in love. Don Pedro’s villainous brother plots to impede the merriment, and the comedy ensues; with mistaken identities, overheard rumours, reputations at stake and conspiratorial lies taken as truth - which in the end all amount to Much Ado About Nothing.
Harare audiences will see some of their favourite O.T.E actors in this production: Craig Peter, Kevin Hanssen and Zane E. Lucas; and the company is delighted to include in the cast Jason Mphepo, Erica Glyn–Jones, and introducing the talented Rumbidzai Machingura from the Theory X drama school in her Shakespearian debut. Outstanding designers Heeten Bhagat, Funki and Carine Tredgold complete the team, creating the unforgettable costumes, masks and set respectively. - Harare International School, 66 Pendennis Rd, Mt Pleasant, 26 - 30 September, Preview 25 September. 19h00, $800.00; pensioners and students half price. Contact: Craig Peter 091 314 552, Gift Marovatsanga 091 854 790