Shakespeare is a name almost everyone has heard, but how much do we actually know about his work? That’s the question posed by Improteater Impeerium’s play, “Shakespeare or an Improvised Verse Comedy” or “Shakespeare ehk improviseeritud värsskomöödia” This unique production blends improvisation with Shakespearean themes and verse form. On stage were Mairi Tikerpalu, Tarvo Krall, and Merilin Kirbits.
The actors are given a theme at the start of the performance, drawn randomly, and their main task is to keep their dialogue in verse. Unlike many other forms of improv theater, the audience doesn’t shape the story directly – the entire creative process is in the hands of the actors.
Personally, I found the experience very positive. The actors were full of energy, and the story they created on the spot was genuinely humorous. They kept the verse form throughout the show, and even when the rhymes didn’t quite land, it was amusing to watch them give it their all. These occasional “failures” actually made the performance more fun, creating a great connection between the actors and the audience.
The improvisational nature of the show allowed for moments of spontaneous humour. There were instances where the actors seamlessly wove together unexpected plot twists and witty dialogue, showcasing their impressive skill in live performance. Their chemistry was palpable, and they clearly enjoyed themselves, which made the audience enjoy the show even more. The actors’ also found a way to engage with the audience in a playful and interactive manner. They responded to subtle cues and reactions from the audience with sharp wit, making each performance feel fresh and unique. This interactive element added a personal touch that made the experience feel more inclusive and entertaining.
On the critical side, the plot development deserves a mention. Since it’s improv, the story structure is pretty loose and only follows the theme drawn at the beginning. In the show I saw, they tackled the theme of family rivalry. Unfortunately, the theme quickly drifted, and by the end, it was hard to say what the original idea was. Several important plot points were left hanging or disappeared altogether, replaced by new ideas, while some scenes dragged on. While these moments were funny in themselves, they didn’t always help move the story forward. At times, it seemed the actors were confused by each other’s ideas, commenting on them rather than developing them. The principle of “accepting and building on an idea” might have worked better here, even if it disrupted the earlier scene. Still, in improv theatre, the unity of the story isn’t always the main point – the charm of the genre lies in spontaneity and surprise. The fact that the show wasn’t always completely smooth or logical didn’t take away from the humour or playful energy on stage. In fact, it added personality to the performance and led to plenty of hilarious moments.
The magic of improv theatre is in its unpredictability and the immediacy of the creative process. Every night is unique, and the actors’ skill and humour ensured an entertaining and engaging experience. A bit more structure or planning might smooth out the narrative, but that doesn’t mean the story should be pre-written – just having a few key points in place, perhaps from audience suggestions, could help. Still, the lack of that structure didn’t diminish the wit and humour of the performance. The actors’ energy and commitment were infectious, making for a truly memorable and laughter-filled evening. I’d highly recommend it to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Author: Caroline
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.