A Company of FoolsDIRECTLY FROM THE BIG FOOL'S MOUTH(Scott Florence, Artistic Director)"The biggest challenge is juggling Shakespeare's language with the world of today, sidestepping the references and allusions that no longer have any cultural resonance, and ensuring that the vibrancy of the original work doesn't get dimmed by the differences between his world and time, and ours. The greatest reward is when people thank us for "translating the work into REAL English"--because of course, we haven't altered Shakespeare's text, we've just performed it in a way that transcends the barrier of words."  Bringing Shakespeare to life in Canada since 1990! www.fools.ca ABOUT THE FOOLS"Lord, what Fools these mortals be, but darn funny Fools they be." - Caroline Phillips, Ottawa Citizen, January 10, 2011 The Fools have been around since 1990, founded by two Ottawa University graduates. They were inspired by the Elizabethan players that entertained audiences outdoors and at the Globe theatre. These are NOT pretentious, high-browed Shakespearean actors. A Company of Fools has a reputation for being a highly physical troupe that does interactive shows indoors and out. I like to think that they bring Shakespeare to the masses the way Shakespeare originally intended. Their entertaining shows are based on and inspired by William Shakespeare's writings, but use imaginative techniques such as clowning, physical theatre, mask and puppetry while retaining the classical text. FOOLISH EVENTSShakespeare's Interactive Circus--School Tour (April 26 - May 6, 2011) A classic from their repertoire, Shakespeare's Interative Circus is a one-hour zany, high energy, romp through some of Shakespeare's best known plays. Romeo and Juliet as a rap? Macbeth, the musical? This is what happens when tongue-in-cheek modern wit meets the Bard. Antony and Cleopatra--Torchlight Shakespeare (July 4 - August 20, 2011) A Company of Fools does an annual Torchlight Shakespeare series in parks across Ottawa. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and don't forget the bug spray! Expect a pass-the-hat donation (suggested $10). This year's production promises to be a funny one--if you haven't seen their irreverent approach to tragedies, you're in for a treat. In their words, "Antony flip-flops between being a heroic leader and a henpecked lapdog faster than a pancake cook at IHOP..." A Midwinter's Dream Tale--Great Canadian Theatre Company (November 29 - December 18, 2011) Starting November 29, A Company of Fools will be bringing back "A Midwinter's Dream Tale": a hilarious mix of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Winter's Tale as only our beloved Fools can tell it. It will be playing at the Great Canadian Theatre Company's main stage. If you missed the 2009 run at the Gladstone, now's your chance to see it. If you did catch it then, go see it again! (Of worthy note: Louise Hayden's magical costumes won the 2009 Rideau award for Outstanding Costume Design for the production) ROMANTIC GESTURESHire a Fool in colourful costume to deliver a sonnet to a loved one. The Fools have been delivering sonnets for nearly a decade, usually on Valentine's Day. Typical "sonnet patrol" on Valentine's Day will see a delivery of 20 to 100 sonnets by the Fools. Popular sonnets include: 18 (Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lvely and more temperate), 116 (Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments/Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds). These two are most often requested, while other lovers request Sonnet 2 or Sonnet 43. The sonnets are delivered with a parchment scroll and small package of sweets. Delivery in person $69.99, by telephone in North America $59.99. The Fools are also available for hire for workshops, corporate events, and private parties. CONTACT INFORMATION613-863-PLAY |