Beginning Classically

O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep!

So says Berowne in act 1 scene 1 of Shakespeare's gloriously witty Love's Labour's Lost. Opening with the "O," the author invites us to follow the next sounds along, and indeed pounds our ears with hard consonants in the first of the two lines.

But he follows on with a slightly alterred meter in the second line, emphasizing the little word "to." He invites us to concentrate on seeing, studying, fasting, sleeping. And I am struck by the sliding sounds of s that make us think of the words to follow, ones ripe with action.

With this beginning, Shakespeare sets the stage for a play of words, wit, rhythm, rhyme, and juggling language. We're off on a roller coaster of verse interrupted by ribald humor from more rustic characters, not to mention the ostentatious Spaniard, don Armado.

For 32 summers, Hilo Community Players have presented Shakespeare in the Park, and for our thirty-third installment in 2010, we will perform this beautiful play of banter and love. The verbal sparring will center around a swing displayed prominently, and the men and ladies will try their wits to the motion of the language as well as the physical prop.

I will be co-directing this production along with the experienced Amy Jackson. It is our intent to let the rich language fill the air of Kalakaua Park in Hilo, Hawaii. Audiences will come away knowing something of Shakespeare's verse as well as his views of love and courtship.

But this blog will not limit itself to one text. No, I will be writing and reporting on what I'm reading. My tastes are varied. I hope you enjoy.