Equivocation: the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself
Equivocation directed by Pug Bujeaud and written by Bill Cain is currently playing at Olympia Little Theater. It premiered in 2009 at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Equivocation’s setting is an alternative 17th century England where Robert Cecil commissions William Shakespeare (in play is called Shagspeare) to write a play about the Gunpowder Plot.
The Gunpowder Plot, or the Jesuit Treason, was a failed assassination of King James I. The attempt was by a group of English Catholics. One of the more famous people involved is Guy Fawkes. This assassination attempt led to Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night. It takes place November 5th in Britain, where they let off fireworks and burn bonfires.
This play blends together facts about the Gunpowder Plot and interesting factual little details in order to create a play about writing, religion, and family. This show had a cast of seven actors, and four of them played multiple parts. They were actors in Shakespeare’s troupe, who performed Macbeth, King Lear, and a draft of the Gunpowder Plot play.
Robert McConkey, Rodman Bolek, Jordan Richards, and Josh Palmer played at least three different characters (although I suspect that’s a low estimate). These actors switch between different characters throughout the show so many times, and every time it was masterfully done. They fleshed out all of their characters, which is hard enough when doing just one Shakespearean character, so I applaud them.
This play is mainly a historical drama, but it did have some funny moments—especially if you’re a fan of the Bard. The character of King James I, played by Rodman Bolek, was also comedic relief. His reactions to the production was Macbeth was one of the comedic highlights of the show. (I was quite a fan of ‘that’s poetry for a cesarean section!’)
While I really loved this show, I would like to caution those who don’t have a long attention span. The show runs about two and a half hours. This show is for people who have a fascination with history, specifically 17th century England, or love Shakespeare. I would recommend ages 13 and up for instances of violence and mild sexual humor. Tickets are $11 to $15.
Equivocation by Bill Cain. Produced by Olympia Little Theater by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. At 1925 Miller Avenue NE, Olympia. February 7 to February 23. Thursday-Saturday at 7:25 p.m. and Sundays at 1:55 p.m. Tickets and more info at olympialittletheater.org or the box office: (360) 786-9484.