FHSU University Communications
The Fort Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” this November, offering audiences a lively, romantic comedy with a fresh 1960s twist.
Originally written in the 1590s and first performed for Queen Elizabeth I, “Love’s Labour’s Lost” follows a young king and his companions who swear off women for three years to devote themselves to study. Their vows are soon tested when the princess of France and her ladies arrive, turning scholarly discipline into comic chaos.
“Of course, they are pledged to celibacy and studying, but that quickly goes out the window,” said Catherine Trieschmann, FHSU Director of Theatre. “It’s a perfect setup for a romantic comedy.”
Trieschmann has adapted the play by condensing Shakespeare’s text and merging several characters, bringing the running time to about 90 minutes. Her creative decision to set the production in the 1960s highlights the play’s central tension between authority and liberation.
“The play is really about rule-bound authority versus freedom,” Trieschmann said. “I felt like the 1960s were the perfect era for those ideas to percolate.”
To prepare the cast to perform Shakespeare, Trieschmann invited Geoffrey Kent, a professional actor/director from Denver, to lead a Shakespeare boot camp. As one of the best interpreters of Shakespeare in the region, Kent’s guidance helped the student actors explore the language and rhythm of Shakespeare’s work in depth.
“He taught us how to tackle the text and all the resources available for understanding Shakespeare,” Trieschmann said. “It was fantastic.”
The cast of 16 features four Freshmen students in leading roles.
Cast members include (in order of appearance): Sam Schroeder, Karter Smith, Caleb Johnson, Alan Torres, Brett Dreher, Adrian Normandin, Tatum Sander, Holly Trullinger, MyKynlee Stecklein, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Lilly Kimberlin, Allie Straub, Victoria Villines, Addyson Brown, Maelin Johnson, Faith Woods, and Hannah Walker.
“It’s impressive to see how well the students are handling the text,” Trieschmann said. “The play is very funny, almost a farce.”
Vintage costuming from the 1960s, paired with a mid-century modern set designed by Joel Williams, will enhance the production's visual appeal. Live guitar and vocal music will round out the show.
“Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be performed Nov. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the FHSU Department of Music and Theatre at 785-628-4533 or visit https://www.forthaysarts.com/ to purchase tickets.