Melbourne Fringe: As You Like It

Gender is flipped, family bonds are tested, love is sought and relationships of all shapes and descriptions are forged in ARDEN Productions’ new reworking of one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, As You Like It.

The lighting and set design is sparse and minimal, lending a stark simplicity to the space that allows the strong ensemble cast and the eloquent complexities of the text to take centre stage.

For the most part, the staging is thoughtful and inventive, utilising little more than bodies in space to realise the very well defined antithetical aesthetics of both the Court and Forest of Arden.

Julian Beckendahl’s vision and direction is strong and his cast command this rich work with all the levity, darkness and heart that it requires.