Fighting High School 'Smut' Lists with Facebook and Shakespeare

Updating "Much Ado" to fit a virtual performance space, the Ophelia Project has opened discussion of relationships, rumors and malice in a first-ever Facebook event that's drawing growing numbers of viewers.

The non-profit anti-bullying group is teamed up with READ Magazine as the producers of the updated version. They've set loose a social media-savvy cast who are creatively twining Shakespeare's words with everyday talk, pictures and videos to create an interactive three-day experience.

Using Tumblr they're giving latecomers a chance to catch up with the action. People can follow it on Twitter, too. 

The audience, at about 300 when the play began formally at 4 p.m. Tuesday, had grown to more than 500 when the action resumed midday Wednesday.

Viewers are applauding particularly good lines and posts in the classic Facebook way: by  'liking' them. They're commenting. Two audience members even helped out by creating a Quick Start Guide to help viewers keep track of what's going on.  

Several have taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the play's updated comic relief: the team of Doug Berry and Verges Headborough of the No Limits Home Security Company Inc. Ltd. Unlimited, whose Facebook ads, audio and dialog are hilarious, including the actual, live hotline on which people can leave "essential and impertinent information" after the message (which is worth listening to).

The teen members of the cast are from White Plains (NY) High School, which performed "Much Ado About Nothing" on a traditional wood stage in the fall. Others who have played the characters have begun discussing their own experiences on Facebook links. 

The Ophelia Project's focus is on relational aggression, which makes "Much Ado" a perfect venue. The plot and the timing work too: last month, several high schools in the New York City suburbs were rocked by publicity about "smut lists" naming female students for alleged promiscuous behavior. 

The play continues through Thursday.