Written and directed by Yi Lu, ‘Twelfth Night Afternoon’ is a experimental adaption of William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’. The 13-minute modern interpretation centers around an intimate student/teacher relationship as they portray Viola and Olivia for a private one-on-one rehearsal. The film stars Kezia Cotterrell as Sophia (Viola), with Farah Safari as Amelia (Olivia). Set in present-day England, the narrative utilizes the iambic pentameter from Shakespeare’s text, and explores themes of female empowerment and abuse with a homosexual underbelly.

The short opens with a startled Amelia, afresh from her husband’s physical abuse, answering the front door to Sophia – her keen drama student. The narrative delves into their developing intimacy as they recite Act 1, Scene 5 from the romantic comedy play. Lines begin to blur between reality and fiction as their connection intensifies.