Interviews with SPT on “Much Ado About Nothing”

The time has come once again for a Shakespeare Performance Theater (SPT) production at Bryn Mawr. In light of SPT putting on their fall show, “Much Ado About Nothing,” I sat down with a few members of the cast and crew — Sophonisba Franecki (Friar, Conrad), Abby Pasternak (Stage Manager), Cyril Hamilton (Don John), and Maddy Brosius (Hero) — to hear what they had to say about the show. 

How does everyone feel about their roles in the show?

Sophonisba said that her smaller roles were mostly about being part of a larger dynamic, which she also said reflected the first year experience at Bryn Mawr since an element of the show is about how to get others to like you. This was even more timely considering the play is set with many of the main characters being recent college graduates.

Abby spoke about the stress of being stage manager, as they did the majority of rehearsal scheduling and coordination between tech and actors.

Cyril was happy with their role of Don John, as it was their first time acting in-person at SPT since their freshman year. They spoke about their newfound respect for the director, as they had previously directed a SPT show last spring. 

Maddy expressed that she could see herself in her character of Hero, but that it was a challenge figuring out how to do Hero justice since their experiences were so different.

How does everyone felt about the show itself?

To Sophonisba, the best part about the show for her wasn’t part of the actual production at all, but the camaraderie she found within SPT. her favorite moment during rehearsal was asking Abby to be her hell parent. This proved to be a running theme for Abby as well, as a standout moment of Much Ado rehearsals for them was watching the chemistry between a group of four actors who have comedic scenes together, a pleasant surprise for Abby considering they hadn’t been sure whether those actors would work well together.

Cyril was also a fan of the comedic chemistry they had seen between actors, especially during the scenes with Dogberry and Burgess. Maddy was happy the show was less hectic than it had been in past years, and that it had been performance ready earlier than scheduled. All four could agree that all the effort put into the show was paying off; the acting was high-quality and everyone was doing a fantastic job. 

Is there anything you want the Bryn Mawr student body to know about the show?

Sophonisba touched on the intimacy of Much Ado, not only in the content of the play itself but in how the actors asked for consent in making character choices that involved other people. To Sophonisba, it felt like this version of Much Ado could only exist at BMC.

Abby on the other hand spoke of the production quality, saying they felt that Much Ado was working at a high production standard, especially for a student-run production. They encouraged students to come see it not only to support their peers but because it is an objectively good piece of theater.

Cyril shared similar sentiments, but also noted how happy they were with SPT’s handling of the characters Hero and Claudio in the show, saying their nuance had been well brought out through the production. Maddy also mentioned the emphasis on character work within the show, saying that every character- including more minor ones that are often overlooked- was well-developed and undergoes a shift within the show.

Sophonisba, as one of the only first years acting in Much Ado, what is the first-year experience like in SPT?

Sophonisba spoke about how lovely it was to come into SPT and be welcomed by what was for all intents and purposes an established family. She said the dynamic is wonderful, and that all the upperclassmen are always happy to answer questions. Sophonisba also reminded the Bryn Mawr community (and especially the first-years) that there is a place for everyone in SPT, whether that’s onstage or behind the scenes. As long as people keep an ear out for opportunities, SPT will be there. 

Why do you believe that people at Bryn Mawr should come see the show?

Sophonisba spoke about how Much Ado is an interrogation of belonging, both within our friendships and families but also in the context of our enemies. It also helps people see what not to do in the context of relationship struggles.

Abby spoke about how Shakespeare can often be inaccessible to people due to the racist, misogynist, etc. tropes but expressed that SPT had done a great job modernizing the content this time around. Abby said that many of the actors had brought unique characterization to their roles, redoing characters’ genders and sexualities to be more modern. Maddy also added that so much of the show’s relevance comes from its handling of misogyny, and that it is up to us to witness what misogyny can do through the show.

Cyril added that going to see Much Ado is a great way to destress, especially during a time like November that has so much going on for students. With rich source material and hard work by both the cast and crew, Much Ado About Nothing’s run was a strong success for SPT.