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Why 'As You Like It' Is A Great Introduction To Shakespeare

DENVER (CBS4)- Over the years a lot of people remain afraid of Shakespeare. The poetry of the language, those convoluted plots... but there is no reason to be scared and "As You Like It" is the best place to start.

First, you've got to remember that he wrote them mainly for the groundlings, those poor folks who paid a penny to be squashed in down front.

He also wrote them to have gripping plot lines with kings and queens and the aristocracy all acting badly, as if in some regal episode of Days of Our Lives.

The plots are fun, tragic, comic… and everything in between.

A great introduction to the work of the bard if you've stayed away this long, is "As You Like It."

AS YOU LIKE IT
As You Like It (credit: CBS)

Ken Thompson's production is long on comic action but never loses the language, the two work beautifully together.

You've got to listen to Shakespeare but here's a tip: if you listen carefully in those first few scenes, Shakespeare eases you into understanding the rhythm of the poetry. He did that for his original audience and he's still doing that now.

Pay attention up front and it can carry you right through the show. It can open up a whole new world of theatre.

"As You Like It" is playing at the Space Theatre at the DCPA through Nov. 1.

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