By Kirstin Roble

It’s a relatively simple concept: all of Shakespeare’s plays in one show… in 97 minutes. And keep in mind that there are 37 of them. Okay, maybe it’s not so simple after all. But the Reduced Shakespeare Company is going to do it.

The ensemble will perform “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” (abridged) in the Center for Faith and Life at Decorah’s Luther College Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 pm.

A quick synopsis: Formed in California in 1981, the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) began as a “pass the hat” mini-Hamlet act. After six years of Renissance Faires and Fests, they developed an hour-long cliff-notes-esque version of all of Shakespeare’s works. Interest in RSC blossoms and they began to tour and expand their show – first in the US and then internationally. Their outside-the-box thinking translated into three successful shows that premiered within quick succession of one each other. The shows: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” (abridged); “The Complete History of America” (abridged); and “The Bible: The Complete Word of God” (abridged) ran for nine years at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. They were London’s longest-running comedies – the RSC had more shows running in the West End than Andrew Lloyd Webber. More than Cats? It’s hard to believe, but oh, so true.

They’ve since taken on Literature (with a capitol L), world history, and Hollywood, with shows touring worldwide. And in 2010: “The Complete World of Sports” (abridged, of course). Golf, anyone?

“The Complete Works of Willian Shakespeare” is fast paced and high energy, and introduces a barrage of characters in a small amount of time. If you like Shakespeare and theatre, hate Shakespeare and theatre, or just want to laugh, we suggest you take in this show. Inspire(d) caught up with Reed Martin, performer, writer and managing partner of RSC, while en route to Singapore (the Hong Kong airport has wi-fi!). Reed has written for the BBC, NPR, Britain’s Channel Four, RTE Ireland, Public Radio International, The Washington Post and Vogue magazine and now writes to us here. Enjoy.

I: How did you come to perform/write for the stage? And more specifically, what brought you to RSC?

RM: I began acting and writing at college at UC Berkeley. Then I went to grad school for acting at U.C. San Diego. Then I went Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Clown College and spent two years with the circus. I joined the RSC and have been at it ever since.

I: So, as a group, you’re heading towards 30 years as a performing ensemble. How do you keep the shows fresh and exciting to new audiences?

RM: We keep the shows fresh several ways. First of all, we have created six shows so we aren’t doing the same one all the time. Secondly, we are constantly tweaking the scripts so that keeps us on our toes. And third, it’s hard not to have a good time when there are 1000 people in the audience laughing hysterically at the show.

I: Since we’re on the subject of Reduced Shakespeare, what’s your favorite show?

RM: I personally like the Office. Oh, you mean of the RSC shows? It’s like asking which is my favorite child. I love them all for different reasons.

I: How is a show like “The Complete works of Shakespeare” put together? The writers obviously have a great knowledge of Shakespeare’s complete works. How do the shows get “trimmed” down and edited into a show like this?

RM: Our approach to creating all of the shows is like this: Take a serious topic. Cut out all of the minor characters and unimportant subplots and get right to the sex and killing. Audiences love it.

I: Also, the dialogue seems quite improvisational at times. How do you balance the improvisation with the scripted? At any given show, how much comes directly from the script and how much is added during the performance?

RM: The show is completely scripted. Most nights there isn’t any improvisation. That being said, occasionally things will go wrong and turn out funny. Then we try to see if we can re-create the mistake every night and make it look like it’s happening for the first time. If much of the show looks improvised, then we are doing our job.

I: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers as they embark onto an incredibly difficult career path?

RM: My first acting teacher gave me advice that I still believe is valid to performing arts students. If there is any other job that you think you might possibly enjoy as much or more than performing, you will be happier in the long run if you pursue the other job. If you can’t imagine doing anything besides performing, then follow your bliss. Performing is the kind of job that is unstable and erratic. You have to really, really love it to stick with it because at times it can break your heart.

I: If you weren’t part of RSC, what do you think you would be doing with your life?

RM: Tough question, since I’ve been with the RSC for 20 years now. If I weren’t with the RSC, maybe I’d be a lamp post.

Kirstin Roble is a senior voice pedagogy major and classics/english minor at Luther College. When not singing or studying singing, Kirstin enjoys taking part in a number of different activities such as reading, writing, and the occasional run. A member of the executive board for the Performing Arts Committee at Luther, Kirstin is ecstatic to see Rockapella and the Reduced Shakespeare Company at Luther this fall!

Tickets, on sale September 10, are $23 (Adults), $21 for Seniors (65+), and $15 for youth (4-18). They are available at the Luther College Box Office or by calling 563-386-1357 or for purchase online at centerstage.luther.edu.

Learn more at reducedshakespeare.com