I MET A FOOL IN THE FOREST
Run away to the Forest of Arden (aka Mona Vale) with Rosalind as she escapes the troubles of court life and finds herself entangled in the arms of love. Third Bear’s creative duo Eddie and Ripeka Bijl bring you Shakespeare’s unforgettable romantic comedy As You Like It in the beautiful outdoor setting of Mona Vale.
Star crossed lovers; the couple met directing and performing Shakespeare in Auckland, tying the knot in 2019 before touring Australia and the UK with Pop-up Globe, and Heady Conduct. Now, as they settle in Christchurch, they bring their expertise of Shakespeare and outdoor theatre with them and have pulled together an impressive troupe of local and national talent to share this classic love story.
Director Eddie Bijl says “making Shakespeare is a form of alchemy – we bring 400-year-old words back to life and reinvent them for our audiences today”.
With a run time of two hours fifteen minutes, including interval, the production roars along with laughter, song, and dance.
The action follows Rosalind as she falls in love with an unlikely wrestler but is then banished from court by her own uncle and must find her own way in the forest. Complete with disguise, mistaken identity, wrestling, sheep, and four sets of lovers – will anyone find their happy ever after?
Relax pre-Christmas and let Mona Vale Homestead organise your picnic hamper (bookings essential), or bring your own and enjoy the impeccable surroundings while you immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy.
As You Like It is on at Mona Vale Gardens from 9 to 20 December, with tickets available through Eventfinda. Bring a rug, dust off your picnic hamper, and let Third Bear do the rest.