SRT’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
For some of us, plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth or The Merchant of Venice will come to mind when we hear the name Shakespeare. For others, it might bring up certain memories from school you’ve blocked out altogether. Either way, we can all agree that it was no walk in the park deciphering what on earth those ancient texts were even saying during Literature class.
For something more relatable, check out The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged): a fun filled condensed performance of all 37 Shakespeare histories, comedies and tragedies. Brought to you by SRT, this show is not to be missed and here are five reasons why:
1. It’s a cool modern update, with pop culture references and rap
Image credit: Singapore Repertory Theatre
If you think you’ll be bored to death by convos in old English you never could really understand, think again. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a contemporised version of all things Shakespeare, featuring the entrance of iambic pentameter through raps, mashups and pop culture references you’re sure to get.
Not to mention, a little bird whispered that a certain surprise DJ may be making a special appearance as well. Since we can’t go to a club right now, we may as well go to the next best thing amirite?
2. It will make you laugh endlessly for 1.5 hours
We all know the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” but what you might not know is that this phrase is not just gibberish conjured up over a cauldron. In fact, laughing is scientifically proven to be a great stress reliever.
So, what better way to release those endorphins than to immerse yourself in 97 minutes of rollicking humour that’s guaranteed to brighten up your day?
3. It was London’s longest-running comedy
London’s West End has been home to many riveting plays, musicals and theatrical performances over the years. With its vibrant and dynamic nature, loads of shows have come and gone.
The fact that The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) managed to clock an astounding nine years at the Criterion Theatre – the most time a comedy has ever been run at West End, speaks volumes about it.
While the original show has left London since 2005, you can still enjoy a slice of West End on Singapore’s shores thanks to SRT.
4. It relies on just 3 talented actors to whiz through 37 stories
From left to right: Erwin Shah Ismail, Tia Andrea Guttensohn and Shane Mardjuki.
Image credit: Singapore Repertory Theatre
Adopting the same minimalistic approach as the original West End script, this performance is helmed by just three talents. Although the cast is small, they are still mighty and they’ll bring you on an exuberant journey through Shakespeare’s best plays in one sitting.
Here’s some of the cool things the cast have done:
Not only is Erwin a trilingual actor, singer and voice artist for networks such as AXN and HBO Asia, he was also a stuntman at Waterworld, Universal Studios Singapore. Think backflips, neat tricks and high energy.
Next up, apart from hosting events, working in multiple commercials and performing in numerous theatre productions, Tia – another star of the night, can probably be recognised from her roles in KIN on Mediacorp Channel 5 and Westworld on HBO.
Finally, proudly represented by FLY Entertainment, Shane is a regular on HBO Asia, Toggle and Mediacorp Channel 5. If neither of those ring a bell, you might’ve seen him in a Tiger Beer commercial somewhere.
With such extensive portfolios, you’ll be in great hands for this 97-minute modern uptake.
5. Even non-Shakespeare fans can relate to it
Forget literary devices we never could quite get right such as allegory, onomatopoeia and double entendre, this upbeat show parodies all of Shakespeare’s fancy words to make it much easier for you to understand.
Not only are the actors full of energy while they keep you guessing on how they’ll pull off the next Shakespeare play, their use of interesting costumes will keep you entertained on the fly.
If you’re wondering what their fanciful clothing ensemble might look like, guess you’ll have to head down in person to find out because SRT is keeping it on the DL for now.
Singapore Repertory Theatre brings Shakespeare to you
Whether your memories of Shakespeare were fond ones or not, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) will surely be something to remember, especially if you never could stand reading the bard’s original texts. You’ll definitely be leaving the theatre a little more informed on Shakespeare and a whole lot more entertained.
It’ll be running at KC Arts Centre – the home of SRT, from 30th October 2021 onwards. Even better, you’ll get a 15% discount if you purchase four tickets to watch this performance with your friends and family.
Do note that you have to be fully vaccinated to enter or else pre-event testing (PET) is required regardless of age. Make sure to use the TraceTogether app or to bring your TraceTogether token in order to enter the venue. Also, as there are no PET services on-site, do remember to do your PET at MOH-approved clinics prior.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Dates: From 30th October 2021
Time: Tuesday – Saturday 6PM & 9PM | Sunday 3PM & 6PM
Address: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035
Price: From $60
Ticketing: SISTIC at 6348 5555 or book via the SRT website
Get your tickets for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare here
This post was brought to you by Singapore Repertory Theatre.
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