Pericles SF Bay Guardian Review

Courtesy of The SF Bay Guardian

July 24, 2002

*Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Lara Shalson

Sat/27, 1pm: Mosswood Park, corner of MacArthur and Broadway, Oakl; Sun/28, 1pm: Dimond Park, 3860 Hanly, Oakl. (415) 567-1758, www.womanswill.org. Free. Through Aug 18; check Web site for full schedule. Of all the Shakespeare plays being offered this season, only one is produced and performed entirely by women, and only one incorporates a new translation of the work into American Sign Language. Woman's Will, the all-female Shakespeare company, brings the Bard's rarely produced romantic Greek epic to a hearing and deaf audience. The all-women cast is a refreshing twist on the practices of Shakespeare's time (all actors were male in those days), but this production succeeds primarily because of its fine acting. Susan-Jane Harrison in the title role is the personification of princely honor and humility. Lizzie Calogero is charming as Pericles' wife but really shines in the comic role of the Bawd of Myteline. The production is not lavish – the actors wear simple monotone costumes and perform against a basic netted backdrop – but if you're looking to see Shakespeare really come to life this summer, head for Pericles in the park. (Shalson)