Box Office 01635 46044Further details of As You Like It released
7 June 2021
We are pleased to introduce the incredible ensemble that will bring Yolanda Mercy’s new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy to life, in a sustainability focussed production featuring a live modern folk soundscape.
The cast are (clockwise from top left): Omar Baroud (Silvius/Duke Frederick), Emma Manton (Jaques), Ami Okumura-Jones (Phebe), Tom Sowinski (Adam), Emma Barclay (Touchstone), Yazdan Qafouri (Oliver), Katherine Jack (Rosalind), Jamie Satterthwaite (Duke Senior), Chanelle Modi (Celia), Ned Rudkins-Stow (Orlando).
Using responsibly sourced, repurposed, or recyclable materials to create the set, props and costumes, this production of Shakespeare’s famous pastoral comedy celebrates the unique environment of The Watermill gardens. With a focus on eco-friendly practices both on and off stage, this season marks a new direction for the venue in terms of sustainability and access for future generations.
Set and costume designer Katie Lias explains, “Creating eco-friendly, sustainable theatre is something I aim for in every production I work on, but none more so than The Watermill’s production of AS YOU LIKE IT. With the play’s inherent themes of nature and being set in the beautiful grounds, there is a constant reminder of the very landscape we are trying to protect for future generations.
The attempt to create something with as little negative impact as possible is made achievable thanks to a production team and company who place environmentalism at its very core.
Katie Lias, Set and costume designer
For example, I’ve looked at what we used on previous Watermill productions and incorporated elements of these costumes, props and set pieces to be recycled in our new show. The floor of the stage even comes from another theatre – in its original form it wasn’t what I felt looked right for our aesthetic, so we turned it over and routed ‘wooden planks’ in it to create the desired finish.
The attempt to create something with as little negative impact as possible is made achievable thanks to a production team and company who place environmentalism at its very core, recognising that, whilst it is often quicker and easier to purchase something new, the future cannot sustain this level of waste.”
AS YOU LIKE IT plays from 24 June – 24 July. To book visit www.watermill.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01635 46044. The production is suitable for ages 12+. Principal Sponsor: Sheepdrove.
