Shakespeare, Shakespeare, Wherefore Art Thou, Shakespeare?
Three venues, all alike in dignity, in fair Kingston where TK Fringe lays many scenes. More specifically for Dana Schindel, it’s in the Davies lounge where she lays the scene for her show, Shakespeare: Say It! This delightfully creative show turns Romeo and Juliet into an interactive story, inviting the audience to step into the iconic roles themselves. Armed with character cards and visual cues, you’re not just watching the famous tragedy unfold; you’re telling it.
Regardless of the size of the crowd, you become part of a small theatre company on a mission to perform one of Shakespeare’s most recognizable plays, one that many of us have not read since we had to for high school English. But unlike those classroom readings, this version is far more interactive. Projected on a screen are the names of characters and the hand gestures to perform when it’s their turn to speak. Some audience members are given character cards, meaning whenever that name appears, they deliver the lines, and even those without a card get their moment in the spotlight: the whole crowd joins in on certain lines, and at a few points during the show, the audience is split in two, with half playing Romeo and half playing Juliet.
If the thought of wrestling with the complicated and convoluted language of Shakespeare makes you break out in a cold sweat, fear not, because Schindel has streamlined and shortened the text so it’s both understandable and doable within the Fringe festival’s 60 minute time cap. On-screen emojis hint at the tone, and playful cues such as “Laugh like a bro” and “Stand up and dance at the party” turn even the most intimidating lines into comedy. The result is a story that’s surprisingly easy to follow and consistently hilarious. Much of the charm stems from the audience’s willingness to be silly and fully commit to their roles. The day I attended the show, there were five of us in the crowd, plus Schindel on stage, yet the Davies Lounge still buzzed with laughter and genuine fun. Who knew Shakespeare could feel more like a party than an English lesson?
It’s Schindel’s infectious energy, enthusiasm, and sheer passion for the Bard that bring this experience to life in such a unique and joyous way. By reimagining Romeo and Juliet, a tale of conflict, romance, tragedy, and, surprisingly, a good amount of comedy, she offers a warm, inviting introduction to its world. If you’ve ever endured a lackluster or grueling encounter with Shakespeare in the past, Shakespeare: Say It! just might change your mind. Maybe you’ll discover that parting with Shakespeare may indeed be a sweet sorrow after all.
Dana Schindel’s ‘Shakespeare, Say It!’ runs until August 17, 2025, at Davies Lounge in TK Fringe as part of The Kick & Push Festival. More information about the program and tickets can be found here.
