BHS "Twelfth Night" Director Kade Hill Shares Insights Into Shakespeare's Popular RomCom

Burlington High School will present William Shakespeare’s, Twelfth Night, or What You Will this Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. Perhaps one of his most popular romantic comedies, the play will be presented in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center.

Director Kade Hill, a Burlington High School English and Drama teacher, has provided a glimpse into his selection and direction of the production.

Performing Shakespeare can be tricky for the young actors who range in age from 15-18. Choosing Twelfth Night for the fall play came out of Hill’s desire to challenge the actors with something new, a play that was "a totally different pace than last year’s fall production, The Miracle Worker," states Hill. " Since none of the students were around when BHS performed Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it was the perfect choice."

When questioned about his method for directing the young actors, Hill comments, “I helped the actors develop clear objectives for their characters, so they knew what they were doing at all times on stage. Since Shakespeare left virtually no stage direction in any of his plays, all the action the audience will see was developed by the actors during rehearsals. Nothing was handed to them by the playwright.”

He continues, “This has been the biggest challenge, as well as the most rewarding aspect . . . when the actors find an honestly funny moment that still feels natural for the character.”

Twelfth Night will be performed on Saturday, November 19, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, November 20, at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and can be purchased online at www.BurlingtonTheatre.com, by phone at 781-A-FUN-TIC and at the door.

The Fogelberg Performing Arts Center, a fully accessible venue, is located on the campus of Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington MA.