I don't think I've enjoyed a Shakespeare play this much, from beginning to end, since 'Othello', and I studied that in high school.
I'm not a fanatic of the bard, but 'Twelfth Night', or 'What You Will', is great fun. It reminded me of why, despite myself, I fell in love with the film, 'Shakespeare in Love'. Will's gift for wordplay and clever puns shines through consistently in this comedy, not to mention an effective use of crossdressing to challenge gender roles somewhat, for his time.
Viola, Olivia and Maria are wonderful in their own way. The gay subtext isn't even subtext - fiercely devoted Antonio is clearly in love with Sebastian, and Count Orsino cares not once his "Cesario" is revealed to be Viola, and neither does Olivia (whom every man seems to be in love with), and she had been infatuated with "Cesario" throughout the play; neither character has a semblance of a "thank god I'm not gay" moment. Olivia, through hilarious contrivances, ends up with Sebastian, Viola's brother and (presumably) twin - she ends up "betrothed both to a maid and man". Ha!
'Twelfth Night' is the original romantic comedy full of misunderstandings, cruel pranks, and mistaken identities, done well. With sword fights! There are a lot of "fools" in this silly, witty play, but which is the biggest fool? Those of the highest class, obviously. Granted, the "fools", like the poor jester Feste, seem to exist purely for further comedic set pieces away from the main crossdressing-and-love-octagon plot, but these are funny, and there is a linking theme of disputing love and sex relationships present, so who carest?
It's all a performance, including the gender roles.
Why does Viola fall in love with Orsino, though, and so quickly? He's hardly charming or interesting, in his borderline chauvinism, male entitlement issues and lovesickness for Olivia, who is busy grieving for her deceased brother. At least he doesn't obtain her, like a prize, at the end. And are Viola/Cesario and Sebastian wearing the exact same clothes the whole time? And haircuts? Or is everyone really that foolish enough to mistake one for the other? Was putting on pants really enough for a woman to become a man in the 16th century? It all relies on a lot of contrivances.
Ah, now I remember that this is from the same author as 'Romeo & Juliet'. Never mind.
Never mind 'She's the Man', either; read this tried and true value entertainment instead.
A legitimate delight. I'm keeping 'Twelfth Night'.
Final Score: 4/5
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