My Insane Shakespeare, a new and ambitious theatre project, has been launched on Kickstarter. The campaign has already made its way to the Kickstarter Staff Pick List. “My Insane Shakespeare” is written, directed, and performed by independent actor and director Arthur Elbakyan.
“What is better, to be in a mental hospital among normal people or to be free among the insane? This is one of the questions I ask in my performance,” states Elbakyan.
The main character, an actor, involuntarily finds himself in a mental hospital at which point, the key developments of the play unfold. Betrayed by his close friends and allies, the actor analyzes life, love, hatred, vanity, human rights, freedom of speech, and the rulers of the world. In the midst of solidarity and seclusion, his feelings and emotions begin to flow upon paper and canvas.
“I tell this true story with my paintings, which make up part of the stage design. I have painted the battles and breakthroughs of the main character,” says Elbakyan, “This play is a reflection on how an individual doesn’t break down in an insane asylum but instead, against all odds, finds inner strength and willpower to live, love and create.”
Shakespeare has always been a contemporary writer of times. By drawing parallels between our modern day lives and the days of Shakespeare, Elbakyan proves that over time, human relationships and values have not changed at all. Moreover, he shows that Shakespeare’s “to be, or not to be” has become even more of a burning question today.
The premiere of “My Insane Shakespeare” is set on October 13th, 2014 at United Solo, the world’s largest solo theatre festival in New York City. As it is currently Sold Out, an additional performance has been added on October 19th, 2014.
