ISU Theatre presents ‘Fixing Troilus & Cressida,’ a Shakespeare play reimagined to break all the rules

What play comes to mind when you think of Shakespeare? Probably not “Troilus and Cressida.” ISU Theatre is bringing this lesser-known play to the Fisher Theater stage for one weekend only, April 17-19, with a wildly innovative version you may never forget.

“Fixing Troilus & Cressida” is an updated version of Shakespeare’s play in contemporary English ­­– including curse words ­­– written by Kirk Lynn of the Rude Mechs, an Austin, Texas-based theatre collective. The play tells a love story hidden in the center of history’s greatest war. As the Greeks enter their seventh year of hammering against the Trojan’s wall, one young warrior, Troilus, is ready to risk it all and pledge his loyalty to a new love, Cressida.

This play is the third installment in the Rude Mechs’ Fixing Shakespeare series, focusing on the bard’s lesser-produced works. The adaptation’s edgy language – think Shakespeare meets HBO – makes the original tale and its epic, flawed heroes more accessible to modern audiences.

“The script strips the Shakespearean language down to its essence, exposing the raw nerves of love, betrayal, and absurdity of times of war and cultural instability that sit underneath,” said Cason Murphy, assistant professor of theatre and the production’s director.

Breaking rules

ISU Theatre hosted the Rude Mechs on campus in February as guest artists. Murphy, who has published scholarly research on the group’s creative approach to canonical texts, said the Rude Mechs encouraged Iowa State students to embrace the unexpected and to keep working to surprise themselves.

“It’s not the kind of production most audiences expect to see when we think ‘Shakespeare,’ but that’s exactly the point,” Murphy said. “Shakespeare was doing bold, surprising things in his time, and we’re doing the same in ours. This version lets us honor the spirit of his work while breaking all the rules – just like he did.”

“The students have really risen to that challenge,” he added. “They’ve leaned into the chaos, the contradictions, the bawdy comedy, and the moments of romance and heartbreak. They’ve found a way to tell this story with total commitment and creativity, blending physical storytelling, live music, and some truly wild stage moments. It’s Shakespeare, reimagined – strange, beautiful, and alive.”

‘Not your grandma’s ‘Troilus and Cressida”

“This ain’t your grandma’s ‘Troilus and Cressida,’” said Scout Kuehn (’27 environmental science, performing arts).

Kuehn said deconstructing and analyzing Shakespeare’s original script alongside the adapted version has sparked her newfound love for Shakespeare and even inspired her summer plans. Kuehn heads to Boston this June to attend the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s intensive seven-week summer program as an acting apprentice.

Kuehn plays Helen of Troy in the show and said she has enjoyed the intricacies of developing two different characters – the Helen who is loved or loathed by all of Troy and Greece and Helen’s true self.

“Navigating her true emotions and the emotions she portrays to stay alive is a trick Helen has become increasingly gifted at,” Kuehn said.

Caden McCoy (’27 performing arts, psychology) also plays a character navigating emotional turbulence in a time of love and war – Troilus is a prince, soldier, and the youngest brother of Paris and Hector. McCoy said the play’s contemporary language makes it a great entry point into Shakespeare, with plenty for audiences to hear, see, and even participate in throughout the show.

“This show does a fantastic job putting in subtle details,” he said. “When you watch it, pay attention because multiple lines and blocking will come back later in the show, making it even cooler if you notice those times. Also, there are multiple audience interactions so do not be afraid to join in if you feel the time is right.”

A trick disguised as a tribute

Asia Keane (’26 performing arts) is the assistant director for the show. She said working alongside Murphy has taught her essential directing skills like compassion, time management, organization, and team building – and she’s excited for audiences to discover the show’s heartfelt moments.

“These moments have been incredibly thought-through and have such a special place in my heart,” she said. “Additionally, I am thrilled for the audience to experience the more ‘unusual’ elements we have incorporated into the show. It will truly be such a unique and special experience for those who choose to venture into the space of Fisher Theater for this show!”

Murphy said he doesn’t want to spoil its secrets, but the production has elements that may be a first for the Fisher Theater stage.

“What I love about ‘Fixing Troilus & Cressida’ is that it functions as its own Trojan horse – a brilliant trick disguised as a tribute,” Murphy said. “It slips past the gates of a vaunted institution, throws them open from the inside, and invites the rest of us in. I hope you enjoy what you find there.”

Showtimes, ticket information

Showtimes are April 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and April 19 at 2:00 p.m. This production contains mature themes and content, including references to self-harm and suicide, staged violence and death, sexual innuendo, simulated sexual acts, some prominent phallic imagery, and frequent strong language.

All tickets are general admission ($20 for adults; youth and ISU students free). Tickets can be purchased at the door, through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office (open Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or any Ticketmaster. Free youth and student tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance (recommended) through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office. For more information, visit theatre.iastate.edu.