Knighthorse Theatre Company breaks through Shakespeare's wall

When most people think of Shakespeare, difficult language and a theater setting often come to mind. The audience expects to remain passive, watching the show unfold.

The Knighthorse Theatre Company will soon bring its style of Shakespeare to Southeast Missouri. This two-person show breaks through the "fourth wall" and gives the audience an interactive, constantly evolving evening of entertainment that brings the best of Shakespeare right into the crowd's face.

Husband and wife team Amy McLaughlin Lemerande and Tyrus Lemerande make up the Knighthorse Theatre Company. The two met in the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express. After touring with the group for 12 months, Tyrus and Amy were called upon by a friend in Washington, D.C. who needed some entertainment put together for the Boys and Girls Club.

"We knew that entertaining the younger crowd was going to have to be exciting and active," said Tyrus Lemerande, artistic director for Knighthorse.

"We put together about a dozen of the love scenes from various Shakespeare works, and called it 'Shakespeare in the Parlor.' There was a band in the next room, but people just ate this up, and that was the night that Knighthorse was born."

Six years later, the Knighthorse Theatre Company tours around the world, entertaining people of every age with its interpretation of Shakespeare. Tyrus and Amy are about much more than just entertainment, however.

"We came to understand that we needed a guiding principle, and when we did a USO tour in Aviano, Italy, we did a show for a group of kids," Tyrus said. "At the end of the day, the classes presented us with a huge card they had all signed, and on the front it said, 'Thank you for showing us that Shakespeare is cool!' That became our mantra, and is why we do as many school performances and workshops as we do."

Knighthorse will be visiting area schools in the days leading up to a dinner theater performance Thursday at Port Cape. Amy and Tyrus will be performing at Jackson and Cape Girardeau schools, giving performances during every class hour.

Mary Pensel, librarian in the Jackson School District, was responsible for bringing Knighthorse to the area and said she is excited to be able to showcase it.

"Knighthorse breaks down the stereotypes of live theater and gives these students a new perspective on not only the great works of Shakespeare but theater itself," Pensel said.

Knighthorse Theatre Company's performance at Port Cape will feature the "Shakespearean Jukebox," which gives the audience the opportunity of selecting what Tyrus and Amy perform.

"The show is a combination of stand-up comedy, improvisation, storytelling and, of course, Shakespeare," Tyrus said.

"It's a lot of fun, and we tell stories to put the selections in perspective. To be able to communicate Shakespeare in a way that encourages everyone to use their imagination and be a part of the entire experience is what we love to do. ... By combining our love of teaching, acting and each other, we are able to give everyone an unforgettable show."

Tickets for the dinner theater at Port Cape are $12 and are available by contacting Kim McDowell at 388-2705 and include dinner and the show. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.knighthorse.org.