A troupe of theatre performers are preparing to present an outdoor performance at Bendigo's Garden for the Future.
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That's Classic Entertainment's Two Gents is a commedia dell'arte take on Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Commedia dell'arte uses a set of stereotype characters to tell a story that features a lot of physical comedy.
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Performer Scott Middleton said he has been sitting on the idea for about six years before time at home during the pandemic allowed him to develop it.
"It was brewing for a while and during the lockdown, there was plenty of time for planning," Middleton said. "With That's Classic building momentum, we wanted to make a go of it.
"We applied to the VCA Playlist to list us as show for VCE students to study and we were accepted in November. That was go ahead.
"Commedia dell'arte users a series of set characters with their own physicality and personality archetypes of human behaviour. Why it still exists today and is still relevant is because the stereotypes are people we see in everyday life."
Joining Middleton for the show is James Shaw, Seon Williams, Jacqui Martin and Scott Jackson. Bendigo's Mandy Ellison is directing the production.
"The concept of the show a touring troupe in early 1930s Hollywood putting on Two Gentleman of Verona, so there's a few layers there to play with," Middleton said.
"It's a very collaborative environment with five professional actors having input with Mandy guiding us as well. She's a very well known as director in Bendigo and a great key as a VCE teacher making sure we are providing high quality stuff for students to analyse."
Middleton said he wanted to use a large venues that allowed students and schools to access the show.
"We were looking in Bendigo and my sister told me about Garden For The Future," he said. "It's only about two years old and I wasn't aware of it but it's perfect for what we want.
"The adapted script is shortened to make way for the physical comedy. Traditional Shakespeare in the Park can be quite long but this is short, sharp and punchy and really good."
That's Classic's production of Two Gents is on at Garden For The Future from March 15 to 20 at 2pm and 7.30pm. For more information visit www.thatsclassic.com.au or www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/whats-on