Twelfth Night

University Project -
Theatre

Date -
October 2025 – January 2026

I chose to set my adaptation of twelfth night in the late 1920’s. Reflecting the themes and atmosphere of the play, the 1920’s were filled with revelry, partying and excess after the end of WW1 and its rationing and devastation. The interwar period (1919-1933) was a time of social progression, artistic experimentation and thriving cultural diversity in cities such as Berlin, Paris and London. The play’s inherent queerness also feeds into my narrative, as during this time, homosexuality was starting to be celebrated, accepted and unregulated. However, also like Twelfth Night and its associated festive holiday, these good times would shortly end, as facism, conservatism and the Nazi party rolled in.

Genre: Comedy, with dark undertones

Audience: 16+ . I want my adaptation to be naughty, sexy and outrageous.

Aesthetic/Key Words: Camp, Glittery, Artistic, Stylish, Sexy, Ridiculous, Flamboyant, Queer.

Initial Research

World/ Set/ Location Boards

Concept Board / Illyria Town Square

Just like in the original play, my Illyria is a real but ambiguous place.

This location is for the scenes that don’t occur at Orsino’s or Olivia’s house e.g. scenes with Sebastian and Antonio
The town square is littered with confetti and party decorations, like the aftermath of a party or festival, referencing the end of the Twelfth Night festivities
Streets are uneven & raggedy, inspired by roman and medieval European towns and German Expressionist film sets

Olivia’s House

Olivia's house is a grand art nouveau style manor house.
The set could be her living room.
There is an apparent hierarchy, but behind the scenes the lower class characters are ruling and controlling the household