Written by: Cole Edwards

If you think the hunt for true, romantic love is a quest today, imagine how difficult it was in the 17th century.

The VSU theatre and dance department will premiere Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” The play explores the nature of love and the often-bumpy road it takes to find love. The play will premiere this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Sawyer Theatre on the first floor of the VSU Fine Arts Building.

 The play’s heroine, Rosalind, is trying to find and capture the heart of her beloved. Along the way, she arranges four other marriages in her quest to prove that love is the greatest treasure of all. The early-1600s play is a spirited, romantic comedy set in the pastoral setting of the Forest of Arden.

 “As You Like It” includes two of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes, including “All the world’s a stage” and “Too much of a good thing.” The play uses humorous devices of mistaken identity and missed opportunities.

 The play will be driven by the 29 cast members and a crew team of 10 members. The theatre department hopes for a large audience due to the work of the students, as well as the popularity of Shakespeare.

 “Shakespeare tends to be more popular amongst students, so we encourage them to plan accordingly,” Jacque Wheeler, professor of theatre and area chair, said.

 Wheeler said the last Shakespeare play they put on was “Romeo and Juliet,” but they were looking to do a comedy this time around since this is the last play of the semester.

 The show will run every evening at 7:30 p.m. until Wednesday except for Sunday’s show which will begin at 3 p.m.

 Students are admitted free of charge with a valid VSU ID but can reserve a seat by stopping by the box office and leaving a $5 refundable deposit. The box office is open Monday through Saturday 2-5 p.m. Tickets can also be reserved by calling the box office at 229-333-5973.