Freewill Shakespeare Festival

As You Like It

Written by William Shakespeare and Adapted by David Horak

Directed by David Horak

Stage Managed by Molly Pearson

Exiled from court and dressed in disguise, fair Rosalind flees to the Forest of Arden—where trees whisper secrets, and love grows wild. With her cousin Celia and the jester Touchstone by her side, she trades silks for shepherd's garb and freedom.

In the forest, the brave, and love sick Orlando scrawls sonnets on the trees, not knowing his love walks nearby, masked as a boy. The disguised Rosalind playfully tests Orlando as the forest becomes a stage for tangled romances, mistaken identities, and hilarious encounters. Touchstone woos the country girl Audrey, a lovesick shepherd sighs for an indifferent Phoebe, and a reformed villain discovers true love.

Among rustics and royalty, fools and philosophers, the forest weaves its magic. A villain is redeemed, lovers are matched, and joy takes root beneath the forest canopy. Love triumphs, identities are unmasked, and harmony is restored—as you like it.