Productions

Question 1

Trevor Nunn’s adaptation 1996

Answer 1

Set in Victorian England
Priorities the role of Feste, presenting him as more omnipotent and emphasising his role as narrator
Orsino is introduced later (priorities Viola and exposition)
In the first scene Viola and Sebastian are performing for the crew (emphasises disguise and sibling ship and foreshadows eventual confusion)
Focuses on violas transformation into cesario with scenes of her cross dressing

Question 2

2012 Globe Theatre- Tim Carroll

Answer 2

All male cast reinforces themes of gender fluidity and disguise
Act 1 scene 5( Olivia meeting cesario) Mark Rylances Olivia was physically awkward and made her slow deliberate movements with cesario made her more naive
Stephen fry played Malvolio as sincere making his downfall more humiliating
Bright yellow stockings are a contrast to the rest of the costumes

Question 3

2017 National Theatre Simon Godwin

Answer 3

Tamsin Greig played Malvolia adding a homosexual subtext
Stocking scene played with lots of vulnerability
Olivia was glamorous and sophisticated and has a flirtatious attraction to Cesario
A female Feste brings a more cabaret style performance with jazzy/blues themed songs
Black corset worn in stockings scene
Malvolia’s exit was more tragic

Question 4

2017 RSC Christopher Luscombe

Answer 4

Set in late 19th century enhanced themes of social hierarchy
Victorian formality and repressed nature made his giddy transformation more painful to watch
Act 1 scene 2 aided with storm effects which establishes theme of displacement