Comedy of Errors

          Drayton Hall is a theater with a proscenium stage. The set was amazing. There were several huge painted pieces that formed a town-like area. Some of the pieces had two levels that the actors used frequently. Some of the pieces were houses that had curtains and windows. There were lights strung across the pieces. Along with these pieces, there were tables and chairs set up like a restaurant. The costumes were beautifully created. They were all bright and perfectly fit each character. Each character had a colored wig that matched their clothing. The costumes modernized Shakespeare!

Robert Richmond, an Associate Professor at USC, directed this play with the Aquila Theatre Company. He decided to bring the play to USC after having a successful time with the Aquila Theatre Company. Richmond decided to modernize Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.  His play was supposed to take place between 1589 and 1595, during the war of succession in France. Shakespeare lived during the 16th century.

 The play starts with a brief background story. Egeon and Emilia are newlyweds who recently have twin boys named Antipholus. They buy another set of twins from a poor couple named Dromio. After being separated from a boat wreck, Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse decide they want to find their brothers. They end up being at the same town, Syracuse, and have no idea of each other's existence.