2001 SEASON    

AS YOU LIKE IT - Plot Summary
August 3-28, 2001

ACT ONE

As the play opens Duke Frederick has usurped the title and throne of his elder brother, Duke Senior. The elder Duke Senior has taken up residence in the Forest of Arden with his band of loyal followers, his daughter Rosalind staying behind at the court with her cousin Celia. Into this situation, enter Orlando and Oliver de Boys, two brothers divided by hostility. Orland has long been mistreated by his brother, and when Orlando enters a wrestling match sponsored by Duke Frederick, Oliver tells his opponent, Charles - a champion wrestler - to break Orlando's neck if need be. To the surprise of all, Orlando wins the match. In doing so, he attracts the attention of Rosalind and the hatred of Oliver. Orlando flees into Arden, taking with him his servant, Adam, with Oliver in dogged pursuit. Duke Frederick decides to banish Rosalind like he did her father. Celia (Frederick's daughter) and Rosalind decide to disguise themselves and flee to Arden. Rosalind disguises herself as a boy called Ganymede, and Celia takes the part of "his" sister, Aliena. They are accompanied by the clown Touchstone.

In Arden, Duke Senior lives peacefully with his loyal friends, among them the musical Lord Amiens and the melancholy Lord Jaques. Orlando winds up on the company of these men, pining for his lost Rosalind. Rosalind, meanwhile, purchases a flock of sheep and a pasture, and sets out to lead a pastoral life.

ACT TWO

Before long, Orlando's habit of carving Rosalind's name in the trees and leaving love poems to her about the forest tip her off to Orlando's presence and whereabouts. Still disguised as Ganymede, Rosalind promises to cure Orlando's heartache by letting him pour his feelings out to Ganymede as if "he" were Rosalind. Also as Ganymede, Rosalind attempts a match between Silvius and Phoebe that goes awry; Phoebe falls for Rosalind in disguise. Touchstone also courts a country girl named Audrey, adding to the multiple romances.

The resolution begins when Oliver enters the camp. Orlando has saved him from an attack by a lion, and the two brothers have reconciled. Upon meeting, Celia and Oliver fall in love at first sight; Duke Senior promises to join them in wedlock the next day. Rosalind makes Phoebe promise to marry Silvius if she can't have Ganymede, then tells Orlando she has magical powers and will make Rosalind appear the next day so that they can be married. When all have gathered for the wedding, Rosalind reveals herself with the assistance of Hymen. She and Orlando are happily reunited, and Phoebe agrees to marry Silvius. As a final addition, Touchstone will also marry Audrey. In a final resolution, Orlando and Oliver's brother, Jaques de Boys, enters the scene. He brings news that Duke Frederick, upon meeting a holy man, has repented his ways, opted for a monastic life, and restored Duke Senior's throne.

Photograph: Ryan Hollyman as Orlando and Diana Donnelly as Rosalind.

2001 SEASON