A new version of Shakespeare’s comedy, Twelfth Night, is being shown in Malta after a short tour in South Yorkshire, the UK.

Titled What You Will – A Sea Dog’s Tale, the play is the result of an international artist collaboration between South Yorkshire theatre company Griffin Theatre Arts and Maltese company Curtain Call Productions.

Supported by the Malta Arts Fund, actors, directors and visual artists from the UK and Malta unite to create a new piece of theatre that celebrates the brilliance of Shakespeare’s writing. The production will mark the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.

The action takes place on board a 17th century sailing boat, onto which a young Will Shakespeare stumbles searching for high seas and adventure. Shakespeare is told the story of an Illyrian shipwreck, and watches as the sailors make scenes come to life. Soon Shakespeare is whisked up in the action too, and the story of Twelfth Night unfolds in front of the audience’s eyes.

The aim behind the production is to make watching Shakespeare an entertaining and accessible experience, introducing Shakespeare through an imaginative play. Using ropes, barrels, storytelling, music, Shakespeare’s play, shadow theatre and a host of other props, young Shakespeare and a band of sailors conjure up a storm where twins are separated and shipwrecked sailors are tossed upon a foreign shore.

“We’ve had a great response from audiences so far, and we’re really excited to create a piece of theatre that is fun, accessible and entertaining Shakespeare,” Sarah Clough, artistic director at Griffin Theatre Arts, said.

Simone Ellul, artistic director of Curtain Call Productions added: “It’s been an amazing experience working with a group of international artists to create a new piece of theatre.”

What You Will – A Sea Dog’s Tale runs between Friday and next Sunday and from May 1 to 5.

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