An Exploration of Love, Identity, and Laughter Awaits Audiences in this Festive Production

WRITTEN BY Makena Dietschy GRAPHICS BY Isabella Handel

// This season, the theater department at Las Lomas High School is proudly presenting Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Written around 1601, the play was originally crafted for the festive Twelfth Night holiday—a time celebrated for its spirit of mischief, reversal, and joy. Known for its playful disregard of social norms, this holiday was an occasion when the ordinary became extraordinary, a theme mirrored in Shakespeare’s rich and dynamic storytelling. Twelfth Night continues to enchant audiences with its enduring themes of love, identity, and the delightful mayhem accompanying them.

   This reimagination of Twelfth Night is set in 1920s America. Known for its drama and boldness. This play follows the journey of Viola, a young woman who finds herself alone after being separated from her twin brother, Sebastian. Junior Amber Taylor, who tackles the role of Viola in this upcoming showcase, shared with Las Lomas’s The Page regarding her most memorable part of the production’s process. “the 20 hours of rehearsal we had in one weekend- it was just a really great bonding time for the cast, and I felt a lot closer with everybody after and being in like this trusting community with everyone is really important, especially in acting, because you need to trust people to make choices on stage, and we’re playing such, like intense, emotionally fueled characters that you need to be vulnerable with them, and having all that time to really hang out with everyone and get to know everyone, just on that deeper level, is really helpful for that” 

Lost in an unfamiliar place and thinking her brother is gone for good, Viola takes matters into her own hands. She disguises herself as a young man named Cesario to navigate her new reality and secure a job. This bold choice quickly leads her into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, unspoken feelings, and complicated relationships.

   In her new role as Cesario, Viola enters the service of Duke Orsino, a nobleman known for his poetic nature and his strong affection for the beautiful Lady Olivia. Unbeknownst to Viola, Olivia’s recent decision to isolate herself from romantic advances only adds to the complications Cesario’s arrival brings. Viola, Duke Orsino, and Olivia each bring their unique struggles and perspectives on love, making the story both humorous and touching.

   The play’s supporting characters, such as Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s mischievous uncle, add extra layers of comedy. Alongside Sir Toby, a lively cast of side characters fuels the play’s romantic and comedic energy. Together, they navigate misunderstandings and deceptions, creating scenes filled with both humor and moments of insight.

   Twelfth Night is an exploration of love, identity, and humans’ common tendency to misunderstand one another. With its fast, witty dialogue, charming characters, and universal themes, Twelfth Night will no doubt entertain audiences of all ages, making it a perfect addition to the holiday season at Las Lomas High School.