“Playing Mercury” at Horsepower Farm

ISLE Theater Company announces the world premiere of Anna Fitzgerald’s “Playing Mercury,” a medieval-period comedy inspired by William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” with outdoor performances at Horsepower Farm, 90 Horsepower Farm Road in Penobscot.

After her father’s failed military campaign in France leaves their English fiefdom in upheaval, Rosalind throws aside her embroidery to lace up her bodice and restore order to the dukedom. In a captivating quest to recover her dad, she enlists the help of her clueless cousin Celia and the fief’s favorite jester Touchstone as they venture beyond the confines of the castle. What could possibly go wrong?

While Shakespeare’s plays are revered for their ability to illuminate the human condition, many people find the dated language inaccessible. Fitzgerald’s remedy is to respect the original while modernizing the language. ISLE’s retelling will encourage audience members to reconsider their assumptions while laughing along the way.

Tickets are $26. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.isletheater.org/tickets.