As You like It ANNOTATION
A scene by scene summary in modern prose.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Shakespeare's As You Like It can appear bright or sombre in performance: a feast of language and a delight for comic actors; or a risk-taking exploration of gender roles. This edition offers an account of what makes the play both innocent and dangerous, mapping the complexities of its setting (a no-man's-land related to both France and England) and giving an ample commentary on its language and an analytical account of performance.
SYNOPSIS
Each Edition Includes:
• Comprehensive explanatory notes
• Vivid introductions and the most up-to-date scholarship
• Clear, modernized spelling and punctuation, enabling contemporary readers to understand the Elizabethan English
• Completely updated, detailed bibliographies and performance histories
• An interpretive essay on film adaptations of the play, along with an extensive filmography
FROM THE CRITICS
AudioFile
Disguises, word play, and mistaken identity abound in this sophisticated tale of love and loyalty. Rosalind, exiled by her wicked uncle, meets Orlando in the Forest of Arden. They fall in love, but confusion ensues because of her male disguise. By the time the curtain falls, reconciliation and forgiveness blossom, and all is well. Another play in the fine Arkangel Complete Shakespeare series is performed by accomplished British players. Stephen Mangan and Niamh Cusack are especially strong as the lead characters. The original music and singing give the production a true theatrical feel. Liner notes include a good act-by-act summary of the play. P.B.J. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine