In 2003, Los Angeles-based artist Nicola Vann wanted to do accessible, stripped-down Shakespeare that didn’t feel like an English class. She texted some friends, who texted others, and, like magic, assembled the first cast for a brand-new L.A.-based company: Bardfly Theatre.
“My family’s in Sonoma,” says Vann, as to what brings her theater north. “There seemed to be more demand than is met despite the numerous great theaters up here.”
Now for the second year, Bardfly’s performing in Kenwood and Santa Rosa with the Shakespeare comedy As You Like It.
“I wanted to do a show that has ties to nature,” notes Vann. “Plus it’s funny and has a lot of relevant themes.”
One of the things that sets Bardfly apart is the sense that there isn’t a barrier between the actors and the audience. “Bardfly is an immersive traveling production,” she explains. There are no lights or sets, and the blocking varies by venue.
“A certain amount of trust and improv are needed,” Vann says with a smile. For instance, this year for the two performances at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, the show will be presented in a traditional proscenium style, but when they move to Bees and Blooms in Santa Rosa, it will be in the round.
“We’re right in the middle of the lavender maze,” she points out. “It’s beautiful.”
So what should one expect if they go? “The show’s two hours,” says Vann. “We did truncate it, but it was a collaborative effort so nothing is lost that an actor might need to tell the story. There is also live music.”
The music is composed and performed by Robert Svetlik, an L.A.-based musician and actor in the show.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shows do not shy away from the Bard’s bawdiness. “It’s really PG-13,” says Vann of the show’s appropriateness. “But,” she continues, “the most important part is not to be afraid of Shakespeare.” She notes that her favorite part of the whole experience is when people come up to her after the show and say, “I usually hate Shakespeare, but this was fun.”
So if one is looking for a bawdy, funny musical adventure in two of the more beautiful places in a county known for its beauty, they may look no further than Bardfly.
Bardfly Theatre Co. presents ‘As You Like It’ at Chateau St. Jean, 8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, Thur, July 30 and Fri, July 31 at 7pm, and at Bees N Blooms, 3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa, Fri, Aug 1 and Sat, Aug 2 at 6:30pm. $35–$65. bardflytheatreco.com.
