All-Male 'As You Like It' Dazzles with Erotic Twist

A new all-male production of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" at the Royal Shakespeare theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon is captivating audiences with its exquisite staging and innovative approach. Director Daniel Evans' vision transforms the pastoral comedy, featuring playful eroticism and a remarkable cast, including Jonathan Groff as Rosalind.

The production contrasts the severe court of Duke Frederick, depicted with intimidating physicality and a WWE-style wrestling match, with the lush, verdant Forest of Arden. Anisha Fields' set design for Arden is exquisite, evoking rural Wales and incorporating Welsh folk hymns in place of Shakespeare's songs.

Jonathan Groff delivers a nuanced performance as Rosalind, developing strong chemistry with Fisayo Akinade's Celia, whose portrayal adds a playful, same-sex erotic charge to their relationship. The all-male casting, a nod to Elizabethan traditions, imbues the play with depth and a contemporary queer sensibility.

While the production faced a significant technical pause on opening night, leading to pacing issues in its latter stages, the overall reimagining of Arden is considered a triumph. The play's comedy is handled with light touches, from Gary Wilmot's dual role to the nuanced performances of Phoebe and Touchstone, creating a unique and engaging theatrical experience.