As part of THEATERSOMMER Idar-Oberstein, the American Drama Group (ADG) Europe will be presenting William Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" in English on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 7 pm at Schloss Oberstein. The production, with its minimalist stage design and simple but aesthetic costumes, focuses on the strong acting of the actors. The ADG's plays are entertaining and understandable even if the audience's language skills are not perfect.
"Much ado about nothing" - Shakespeare's title is as witty and profound as the play it describes. Who is not at their most foolish when they are in love, and at the same time suffers the greatest pain? This sparkling comedy seems light as a feather until it comes down to earth and reveals the dark side of passion - betrayal, jealousy and death itself overwhelm recklessness and tragedy looms. Then Shakespeare shifts down a gear and brings the clowns into play - a magnificent band of incompetent policemen save the day - and with the help of deception, love triumphs. This is probably Shakespeare's best comic act and introduces two of his best lovers: Benedict and Beatrice - both masters of wit who discover the limits of their wit.
Herein lies Shakespeare's genius - the play itself explores the boundaries of comedy, while its two main characters discover a depth of feeling that goes beyond the dry humor with which they protect their hearts. Cupid triumphs with an arrow, not a smile. Gathered around the two famous lovers is a merry band of doting fathers, wicked brothers, nubile noblemen, passionate girls and lascivious youths - not to mention doltish policemen worthy of Keystone Cops and an evil villain who lies to destroy. A whirlwind of love turns into a maelstrom of violence and death. But all is redeemed and love triumphs. Is the story really much ado about very little? Or does it turn out to be a profound mirror of the most intense human experience: the devotion of one to the other?
As always, the ADG Europe production will be accompanied by live music. The score for "Much Ado About Nothing" was composed and adapted by Paul Flush, mixing Mozart with a pinch of jazz. The style of the production is fast-paced and witty, with no shortage of poetry. The aim of the ensemble is to reveal Shakespeare and not to impose an artificial interpretation of the director - to illuminate this great play and not to put it in a meaningless setting or modernize something that doesn't need modernizing. This is a real play - not a museum piece, but a living classic that has stood the test of time.
THEATERSOMMER Idar-Oberstein is a series of events organized by the city of Idar-Oberstein. The festival is supported by OIE AG, Günther Effgen GmbH, Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld and the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science, Further Education and Culture.
Tickets are available in advance at www.ticket-regional.de and at the usual advance booking offices. In case of bad weather, the play will take place in the Idar-Oberstein Municipal Theater.