Ryan J-W Smith, the Writer/Director/Producer/Actor of Love Labours Won, answered some quick questions for @SeeItOrSkipItLA!
1. How does this show relate to Shakespeare’s play Love’s Labour’s Lost and his rumored lost play Love’s Labour’s Won?
A: Love Labours Won is a completely original play, written entirely in rhyming iambic pentameter. While audiences may see flashes of Shakespeare’s works like Two Gents in the storyline, devices and some heightened language, it is unrelated to any specific Shakespeare play. The title refers to the endeavors of the characters in their attempts to find happiness in love. The play and verse structure, however, is very Shakespearean. I have been flattered by many kind reviewers that have favorably compared it alongside works by Shakespeare, Moliere, et al. To me that is the highest compliment I could receive as a writer, for the which I am very grateful.
2. What is this I hear about free chocolate?
A: Yes, it’s true… FREE CHOCOLATE! 🙂 Actually, free ORGANIC chocolate! It’s a play about love, so giving away free chocolate to my audience members always seems appropriate. We did it at the Edinburgh Fringe and everybody loved it. I like to give my audiences an intoxicating experience from the moment they walk in, to the moment they leave the theatre. I love happy customers!
3. What about your show makes it perfect for the Fringe?
A: I’ve written 4 verse plays, and this play I wrote specifically for Fringe festivals. I feel it’s a perfect fringe show because it’s ‘easy’ or ‘modern Shakespeare’: a family-friendly romantic comedy that drifts into hysterical farce at times, combined with meditations on love and morality – and even a dash of politics – all neatly rolled into a chocolate-covered 65 minute poetic delicacy! So there really should be something for everyone, no matter how old you are or where your interests lie. Love Shakespeare, hate Shakespeare – either way I’m certain you will relish Love Labours Won!
4. What do you hope the audience walks away with after your show?
A: I always hope my audiences walk away feeling very satisfied – having laughed, and possibly cried, and of course satiated themselves on delicious rhymes and free organic chocolate! I want them to leave feeling they have been part of a very special experience. I try to do everything I can to make that happen – from casting some of the finest and nicest actors LA has to offer, to rehearsing scenes until we bleed with perfection! Ultimately, everything we do on stage should be for the audience – they are the most important people in the room. As artists, we are here to serve them and I fully intend that we shall serve them well.
5. What show, other than yours, are you most excited to see at the Fringe?
A: I really can’t wait to see The Halfwits’ Last Hurrah by Four Clowns. I studied clowning when at drama school in London. We were fortunate to have a teacher who trained at Lecoq. A lot of Love Labours Won is direct address to the audience, so we use some clowning techniques during the show. Clowning rocks. 🙂
Intrigued? You can see Loves Labours Won on these days:
Acme Theatre, 6470 Santa Monica Blvd. 90038
6/14 @ 7:15pm
6/19 @ 6pm
6/20 @ 11.30pm
6/21 @ 9.30pm
6/26 @ 6pm & 11.45pm
6/27 @ 1.30pm
Okay fine, you can have a discount too!
June 14th is a special preview night with tickets only available on the door. All tickets will be just $10.
For ticketing click here.
For more information visit the Rogue Shakespeare website.
*As a special thank-you to all Fringers following my coverage, please enjoy 15% off purchases at In Heels Productions throughout the month of June. Use code HFF15 at checkout!