Experience the Melodic Journey of Twelfth Night on the Mainstage

In 1997, nearly 30 years ago, Concord Academy staged its first production of Twelfth Night. This winter, the Performing Arts Department breathes new life into the beloved Shakespeare classic by presenting a vibrant, musical adaptation from Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub. 

At the helm is director Shelley Bolman P’27, whose passion for storytelling shines through in every aspect of the show. “Working with the students is always a highlight for me,” Bolman says. “Their dedication and energy inspire me to bring out the best in myself and them.” 

Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola, a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess, and falls hard for a duke. As she navigates this strange and wonderful new land, she finds her true self and true love. 

The decision to stage Twelfth Night was inspired by its relevance to the CA community today. “The play’s exploration of gender identity, love, and perception remains as pertinent now as it did centuries ago. Through disguise, masks, and mirror imagery, Twelfth Night invites audiences to ponder timeless questions and find solace in laughter amidst the complexities of life,” Bolman says. 

Collaboration was key to Bolman’s process—from working with guest choreographer Eliza Malecki on the high-energy dance sequences to refining the island-inspired set designs with scenic artists, each step of the process has been a testament to the power of teamwork and creativity. The play is perfectly accented by an original jazz-funk score music directed by Performing Arts Department Head Michael Bennett. 

For Ola Oladitan ’24 who plays the character Duke Orsino, the joy of Twelfth Night lies in the opportunity for creative expression. “My favorite part has been getting to understand the characters in my own way and experimenting with what would make a scene resonate with the audience,” Ola says. 

Elspeth Yeh ’24 embodies the character Viola. On what she hopes audiences will take away, she shares: “I hope people come away from this show recognizing how identity is fluid, and life is a constant cyclical process of discovering and rediscovering oneself,” Yeh says. “Stepping out of her comfort zone, Viola unlocks previously stifled aspects of herself—she finishes the story a more confident leader with a new perspective of gender and womanhood. I hope viewing Twelfth Night will inspire audience members to embark on such internal journeys themselves.”

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