Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts presents William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing directed by Taurie Kinoshita, playing at Palikū Theatre April 25 – May 4, 2025.

Much Ado About Nothing is a raucous comedy filled with dancing, drama, mistaken identity, decisive deceptions, and hapless misunderstandings. Full of romantic liaisons and male rivalry, the verbal sparring of Benedick and the outspoken Beatrice is wildly fun and revolutionary for its time. Subsequently, having female characters who are intellectual equals became popular on stage.

Director Kinoshita says, “The genius of Much Ado About Nothing is proven by nearly 500 years of continuous performance, and as one of Shakespeare's most modern plays it’s accessible to all. Benedick and Beatrice are as immortal as Romeo and Juliet - but funnier, and spoiler alert: they don't die! Disco, drag, dueling lovers, and disguise-parties… what more could you want?”

This production is set in 1973. Young men are returning from the Vietnam War and negotiating civilian life while the political climate is changing radically: Roe v. Wade, Watergate, homosexuality rightfully no longer classified as a disease by the National Psychiatrics Board… it was an optimistic time. Despite events like Kent State and the Second Wounded Knee, young people had a sense of empowerment. Boogie back to a time when the world seemed to be turning around, when we made more love than war, and even in the most profound grief there was humor and hope.