"And therefore sit you down in gentleness 
And take upon command what help we have
That to your wanting may be minister'd."
As You Like It

Almost 25 years ago, I adapted and directed a production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. It became one of my most fulfilling and enjoyable theater experiences. Thank you to ASGT and the wonderful and talented cast, crew, and production staff who joined this journey to the forest of Arden.

I recently came across my notes for the script. It brought back so many great memories that I decided to publish this adaptation. 

As You Like It is in the public domain of course. This adaptation, set entirely in the forest of Arden and compressed from five acts to two, may be presented on the stage royalty-free (including the set design, prologue, and stage directions).

At Rise: Kay and Zed are sitting in the moonlight.

Kay:      I love you madly.

                (Long pause)

Zed:      Is there another way?

Kay:      You don’t understand.

Zed:      You.

Kay:      What?

Zed:      You.

Kay:      What?

Zed:      I don’t understand you. I understand a lot of things. Just not you.

Kay:      Like what?

Zed:      Double entry accounting.

Kay:      Ah.

Zed:      Quantum mechanics.

Kay:      Oh.

Zed:      The mind of God.

Kay:      But not me.

Zed:      No.

Kay:      Why?

Zed:      You love me madly.

Kay:      Is there another way?

Zed:      Exactly.

Kay:      No. I’m asking.

Zed:      It’s a good question.

                (Pause)

Kay       Down with moonlight.

                (Long pause)

Zed   Where else would it go?