London’s Unicorn Theatre, in a significant collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), has premiered an ambitious adaptation of one of Bard’s beloved romantic comedies, aiming to make Shakespeare accessible to a younger generation. Co-directed by Rachel Bagshaw and Robin Belfield, this production bravely attempts to navigate the tricky waters of retaining Shakespeare’s original language while simultaneously paring down complex narratives for modern audiences.

A Balancing Act: Accessibility vs. Authenticity

The core challenge for any contemporary Shakespearean adaptation, especially for young viewers, lies in striking the right balance. Bagshaw and Belfield have opted for a "bit of both" approach: a tightly trimmed version of the play, maintaining the original language, but interwoven with playful captions and abundant slapstick comedy. This strategy, while commendable in its intent, yields mixed results, feeling "fun in fits and starts" and, much like the characters within its "woozily magical play," somewhat "caught between two worlds."

The production truly shines in its comic set pieces, where the physical humour and integrated captions effectively bridge the gap between Shakespearean wit and contemporary comedic sensibilities. These moments provide genuine engagement, drawing laughs and making the potentially daunting text more digestible. However, the critical observation remains that even with significant cuts, the plot retains a certain clutter, which paradoxically makes it harder to follow at times.

The Athens Framing Story: A Case in Point

Robin Belfield’s editing, described as "smart but could have been more radical," particularly struggles with the framing story in Athens. This intricate subplot, laden with "complicated business with dukes and betrothals," has been reduced but not entirely removed. The result is a narrative thread that is neither fully explained nor completely excised, leaving audiences, especially younger ones, more bewildered than enlightened. A more decisive approach, either full integration or complete removal, might have served the clarity of the production better.

This co-production marks the Unicorn’s first major venture with the RSC, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a "brilliant venture, still finding its feet." While the adaptation may not perfectly resolve its internal tensions, its earnest effort to democratize Shakespeare for a new generation is noteworthy. It highlights the ongoing evolution of theatrical interpretation and the perennial challenge of making classical texts resonate in an ever-changing world. The experiment serves as a valuable learning curve, paving the way for future collaborations that may eventually perfect this delicate art of re-imagination.