English-language amateur theatre company the Brussels Shakespeare Society (BSS) will stage a modern interpretation of William Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' at the Théâtre Mercelis in Brussels for one week in June.
Renowned for presenting a broad array of Shakespeare plays (such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in February 2018, 'Much Ado About Nothing' in February 2020, and 'The Tempest' in March 2023), the BSS is now preparing an exciting seven-show run of one of the English playwright's lesser-known works, 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'.
Though not as popular as some of Shakespeare's other plays, 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' (published in 1602) is no less witty, dramatic or absurd. Moreover, this particular version has been given a modern twist, aiming to appeal to a broader audience.
"The play is set in 2024. We are using mobile phones, yoga and gaming to explain the text. I cut many of the most incomprehensible bits and I am not sorry," the play's director, Marianne Farrar-Hockley (54), told The Brussels Times.
Practising the yoga scene during rehearsals. Credit: BSS
Farrar-Hockley, who works for the European Commission in humanitarian aid, first joined the BSS for its 1989 production of 'Twelfth Night' and has been involved ever since. "This is my second time directing a play, the first being the sold-out 'Much Ado About Nothing' in early 2020. If you liked that, you'll like this."
Tailored to Brussels
As well as referencing modern times, Farrar-Hockley's adaptation caters specifically to a diverse Brussels audience, with French and Dutch surtitles on screens in the theatre and multilingual gags.
"We have found extra jokes that work in two languages," the director enthused. "There will never be another production interpreting it so specifically for a multinational audience." Audience members can also enjoy a well-stocked bar.
Martin Henry as Master Ford (Centre), Joachim Dos Santos as Doctor Caius and Guilhem Chevalier as John Rugby (Right). Credit: BSS
The comedy is intended as a prequel to Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' and is set in The Garter Hotel in Windsor, England. It follows the lascivious Sir John Falstaff who decides to scam some easy money by romancing two wealthy Windsor wives, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, with his fading charms.
Unbeknownst to him, the women are close friends, and when they become aware of his intentions they decide to plot their revenge.
Jennifer Gee as Mistress Page, with Masters Ford and Page and Sir Hugh Evans. Credit: BSS
Geoffrey Mamdani (48) stars as the lecherous male lead, Sir John Falstaff. Mamdani has played a number of intriguing roles in his 12 years at the BSS, including King Lear and Hamlet's evil uncle Claudius. But his current role has brought new challenges.
"Falstaff has few redeeming features. The greatest challenge has been to find the sympathy with the character that an actor needs to give truth to the performance. And I've found the key to it in a strange place – in my love for pantomime," he told The Brussels Times, adding that he enjoys performing in the English Comedy Club's January pantomime each year.
'A riotous festival of knockabout humour'
"This is not your grandpa's Shakespeare. It's a riotous festival of knockabout humour in which Shakespeare's language is not a barrier to understanding but rather part of the game," said Mamdani, who works as a speechwriter at the European Commission.
"In fact, it is almost like a pantomime for adults. Falstaff is a dark reflection of the villain, with a cheerful amorality that attracts and repulses at the same time. He is a joy to play, a character for whom the phrase 'larger than life' could have been invented."
Geoffrey Mamdani as Falstaff (Left) and Daniel Siemsgluss as Bardolph (Right). Credit: BSS
'The Merry Wives of Windsor' will be performed at the Théâtre Mercelis in Ixelles from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 June.
More information on tickets and timings can be found here.
