The work of William Shakespeare needs no introduction. Whether it is being performed by drama students in a high school play or with professional stage actors at the Old Vic, Shakespeare's works are always worth checking out, if only because his words are so transcendent. But Madisonians are in for a special treat Thursday when The Acting Company, one of America's leading theater companies, comes to the Union Theater to perform one of Shakespeare's comedies, ""A Comedy of Errors.""
""A Comedy of Errors"" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays as well as one of his shortest. According to actors Jason McDowell-Green and Jonathan C. Kaplan, who play the twin Antipholus brothers, this is part of what makes the play so intriguing.
""You notice certain elements of Shakespeare's later works in this play,"" said Kaplan. ""It's got much more similar themes with his later works."" Kaplan added that ""A Comedy of Errors"" also shares much in common with the comedy of today, calling it ""Shakespeare's version of a sitcom.""
But according to Green, while the play is rooted in slapstick humor, its themes of identity, explored through a day where two sets of twins seek out their separated-at-birth brothers, are anything but trite.
""Like all of Shakespeare's plays, the themes are very universal,"" said Green.
And while the play features some of Shakespeare's funniest and wittiest lines, much of the appeal of this particular show lies in The Acting Company. Founded by Oscar-winner John Houseman in 1972, alumni of the company include renowned actors such as Kevin Kline, Frances Conroy, Jeffrey Wright and Rainn Wilson.
Kaplan says it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of such talent.
""We are all supported by the spirits of the people who came before,"" he said, adding that the current actors involved are as talented as ever.
Neither the talent nor the writing on display is anything to slouch at in this production. And 8 p.m. Thursday at the Wisconsin Union Theater, both will combine to bring Shakespeare to Madison.
