The Robinson Theater group, Troupe 2660, had its first official show of the school year on Nov. 15, Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. The production was called “As She Likes It” and was a reimagining of old Shakespearian plays. Seven in total, all from the viewpoints of the various women from those stories.
Although having less rehearsal time because of Hurricane Helene and Milton, “As She Likes It” runs for over a daunting two hours long.
“We’ve had about, give or take a month rehearsal time. But also, everything’s been crammed in, so we haven’t had exactly a month, maybe roughly three weeks.” actor Thomas Weston (’25) said. “But we’ve all had our own rehearsal time, outside of in-school rehearsal time.”
It would be fair to assume that the production’s quality would be affected by the storms, like any other extracurricular during this fall. Various sports, Marching Band and even the Knight Writers experienced delays facing the turbulent 2024 storm season, yet Troupe 2660 was able to run a fantastic and long-lasting play, in only the course of a month.
“[The play] went really well I think, ” actor Savanna Fry (’27) said. “It was really fun seeing all the scenes coming together, all of the lines coming off of practice…which was really fun.”
While watching, I noticed how little props there were. Throughout the entire two hour-long runtime, only a handful of chairs, books, and other props were utilized on the stage. Now this could’ve been an aspect affected by time-crunch, or possibly the intention of the narrative. Despite that, this choice could possibly put a lot of pressure on the actors and actresses to carry the play, as the audience cannot fall on props and sets to intrigue the minds of the audience.
That’s why it’s so great to say yes; the actors and actresses on stage were able to carry the play, and in fact were the biggest highlight of “As She Likes It.”
“Everyone is making their contributions to memorize their lines and to get everything sorted for the play” Weston said. “Everyone has this role and this part in this play…without everyone, it wouldn’t be the same.”
Weston’s character had the most weight in the story, serving as the leading role of the play, Shakespeare, overlooking the stories that he cares so much about.
The last scene, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet’s final moments where Shakespeare argues with one of his written creations about the death of Juliet was truly the most gripping moment of the play. The intense and heartfelt acting, alongside the interesting twist on this well-known classic, allowed for an insanely thought-provoking ending that could’ve only happened here at Robinson, with Troupe 2660.
“Scene seven as a whole is really creative, and I really like its message,” Weston said. “[This play] is really just about empowerment, to women and anyone honestly. Even watching it for someone who’s not female or feminine, it’s really outstanding and inspiring, and makes you feel a lot of passion.”
Troupe 2660’s “As She Likes It” has been a great kickoff for the performing arts at Robinson High School this year. Paired with their successful District-Competition the week prior, Troupe 2660 may continue to endow the school with great visual entertainment for the rest of the 2024-2025 year.
“This play has meant a lot to me. I’m really proud of everyone, and what we’ve done,” Weston said. “I’m really proud of my accomplishments as well. Every time I go out there, I just get this sensation, this rush, that you don’t really get normally. I just feel really good after [performing.]”
