VAN NUYS : Shakespeare Comes Alive for Students

Shakespeare, Shakespeare, wherefore art thou Shakespeare?

Why, in Van Nuys, of course.

On Monday, the old man--he was born 431 years ago Sunday--made a cameo appearance before middle and high school students at the Valley Alternative Magnet School.

Actors from the Eclectic Theatre Company in North Hollywood, by blending some excerpts of Shakespeare’s original works with a more contemporary language and setting, attempted to show teen-agers that his themes remain as relevant today as they were in the 17th Century.

“Life isn’t all that different,” said Francesca Rollins, a company member. “It’s just more convenient.”

Jill Holden, who produced the play, entitled “Shakespeare Unbound,” added: “He talked about love, sex, gang warfare and parent-student relationships.”

The troupe also was trying to make Shakespeare’s often intimidating language more accessible to the current generation. The concept worked. Students who have been reading his plays in class appreciated the new approach.

“Shakespeare is straight dead,” said senior Leanna Harris. “This way, you could get involved.”

The actors also got youngsters involved by doing about 20% of the performance in Spanish.

“It’s inclusive,” Holden said. “It’s just a few words here and there, but kids like it.”

The troupe, which held workshops with students after the performance, will take “Shakespeare Unbound” to other Los Angeles schools throughout the week.