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Verona's two gentlemen find love at Monash

20 July 2005

The Bell Shakespeare Company returns to Monash next month with a new production of one of William Shakespeare's earliest works, The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

From left: Proteus (Richard Sydenham) and Panthino (John Trutwin) -- take tea with the Duke of Milan (Arky Michael).

The Alexander Theatre at Clayton campus will host evening performances on 1 and 2 August and a matinee on 2 August.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona is set in Verona, Milan and a forest near Mantua in Italy. The plot centres around two young gentlemen of Verona -- Valentine (James Saunders) and Proteus (Richard Sydenham) -- who are best friends. Their love for the same woman -- Silvia (Kate Box) -- threatens to come between them. Valentine and Proteus travel to Milan and learn about the world of courtship. Proteus' love for Julia (Anita Hegh) is eventually eclipsed by his new-found passion for Silvia -- his best friend Valentine's great love and the daughter of the Duke of Milan. But true love prevails and the friends are reconciled.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona is packed with comic devices -- a midnight rendezvous, serenades, betrayals, bandits in the forest, cunning disguises and a male friendship that is easily destroyed when an attractive woman gets in the way.

The highly acclaimed production is directed by Peter Evans and designed by Christina Smith, and combines fast-moving action with a driving jazz soundtrack and songs from 1980s band the Violent Femmes.

Ms Jan Clancy, Monash University Arts Centres director, said the Bell Shakespeare Company was renowned for its innovative and vibrant productions.

"Bell Shakespeare brings together a talented and energetic cast for this timeless and classic romantic comedy," Ms Clancy said.

"This is an outrageous story of love, friendship and marriage. Audiences will be entertained by the many twists and turns involving the two gentlemen of Verona who fall in love with the same woman."

For bookings or information, contact the Monash Box Office on extn 51111 or visit the Monash University Arts Centres website.