SOLUS

Compiled by Iain Moggach and the cast

Drawn from Shakespeare

August 2021

so·lus /ˈsōləs/ - alone or unaccompanied (used especially as a stage direction).

After taking the year off in 2020, Marissa and I knew we wanted to do something with Burro’d in 2021. After much brainstorming, the concept of a show that was a mosaic of different pieces from across Shakespeare’s canon - filmed in social bubbles - was very exciting.

We approached the actors intended for our production of Merry Wives and asked them what piece or play they had always wanted to do. Considerations like gender, age, etc. did not apply. Some had ideas, others did not. For those who didn’t, we worked with them to find a piece that we felt would be a good fit, and provide a nice range for the audience.

Rehearsals were conducted over Zoom and in person when possible. As a director, Solus gave me the chance to work with material from 10 different Shakespeare plays and attempt to capture/expand some core element of the piece so that the audience would understand what was going on without any context.

In addition, we wanted to make sure the show captured Burro’d signature style, and utilize only the backyard where its shows take place.

We then brought in Noah Hollinshead and Dustin Lawson to work with us on the videography. They were extremely collaborative and worked closely with me to ensure each piece stood on its own, but also contributed to a dynamic and engaging structure. It also was my first foray into film direction and I learnt a LOT through the process. Having such a flexible, supportive team meant the world and I was delighted by the results.

The Cast

Richard II (Richard II): Iain Moggach

Sebastian (Twelfth Night): Keelan Ballantyne

Olivia (Twelfth Night): Taylor Nicoloff

Autolycus (The Winter’s Tale): Heather Dennis

The Clown (The Winter’s Tale): Richard Varty

Cassius (Julius Caesar): Marissa Caldwell

Brutus (Julius Caesar): Iain Moggach

Phoebe (As You Like It): Taylor Nicoloff

Gloucester (Henry VI, 3): Stephen Dobby

King Lear (King Lear): Nancy Chapple Smokler

Shylock (The Merchant of Venice): Jim Jenkinson

Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing): Kristen Keller

Romeo (Romeo and Juliet): Robert Knapp

Juliet (Romeo and Juliet): Charlene Knapp

The Crew

Producers: Iain Moggach and Marissa Caldwell

Videography and editing: Noah Hollinshead

Film and audio support: Dustin Lawson

Poster Design: Iain Moggach