Over the course of this summer, there have been bands of countless young, aspiring actors, actresses and writers traversing the United States and preforming in various fringe festivals in major U.S. cities. These independent artist produce and preform shows from musicals, to dramas and, in particular, comedies.
While there’s an expansive depth of shows, one act stands out from the rest of them.
Meet Maggie Seymour and Olivia Atwood of the 601 Theatre Company. These two friends who met at Bowdoin College and had a passion for theatre and acting united in force, and with their creativity and passion, created a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s "The Comedy of Errors" titled "15 Villainous Fools."
Staying true to the plot of the original work, the duo adds in popular culture references, contemporary music and acting techniques that break the fourth wall of theatre and greatly involve the audience. In addition, the pair matchlessly implement their critiques and criticisms of the play with comedic scene transitions.
One of the best things about the 601 Theatre Company and their breakthrough performance is the element of chemistry between Seymour and Atwood. The two draw upon each other with the difficult role of portraying 15 unique and zany characters, from the sisters Adriana and Luciana having thick English accents to the twins Dromio with high pitched voices to the otherwise irrelevant character with one line in the play, Balthazar. The chemistry of both performers allow for their characters to embrace all the unique moments of the play -- from the many moments of slapstick comical genius to the tender moments that embrace more serious events. To have mastered the talent to fluidly go from one character to another takes not only extensive skill as a performer but also someone who is confident and driven with a love of acting.
So far this summer, the duo have preformed at theatre fringe festivals in Portland, San Diego and Washington, D.C. Armed with a suitcase of props and costumes, as well as minimal scenery, the two have exhibited a fusion of Shakespearian theatre with modern and experimental theatre techniques that make Shakespeare’s comedic work transferrable to a modern audience of all ages and knowledge of the Bard himself.
"15 Villainous Fools" is more than just a theatrical performance; it’s the embodiment of the eternal essence of theatre and what the future of theatre looks like. It is performers and visionaries like Seymour and Atwood that continue the keep legacy of Shakespeare alive. By drawing from Shakespeare, they have created their distinctive brand of theatre unlike many other performances across the United States.
Don’t fret if you haven’t seen them preform! There are still several opportunities to see them in action! The 601 Theatre Company will be preforming at FringePVD in Providence, Rhode Island on Tuesday, July 26 and FringeNYC in New York City throughout the month of August.
Check out their website for more information on show times and locations!
Congrats to both for an amazing performance and for many more to come!
