That Way Madness Lies: XV of Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined

by Dahlia Adler

“The best actors in the galaxy couldn’t conjure this amount of vivid tension. We’re natural enemies.” “You misunderstand me. They set us up … to live out the story of Benedick and Beatrice. To fall for one another or some such nonsense. Hazem admitted it moments ago.” Tegan stood, now as tall as Taron, and got very close to his nose. “They were playing matchmaker with our roles? That’s too meta, even for them. Besides, they failed spectacularly. I loathe you more now than when I played Horatio to your whiny-ass Hamlet.” “I was not whiny!” “Thou doth protest so much,” they said with a haughty laugh that cut off abruptly. “Plus, it’s a direct quote from one of our reviews.” “I’ll have you know—” Tegan slapped a hand over Taron’s mouth. “Before we banter into oblivion, if what you say is true, we need a revenge plan. Our so-called friends must be punished.” They lowered their hand. “Agreed,” Taron said. “Which must be a first.” Tegan nodded once and began to scheme. Truly, scheming should have been in the Special Skills section of their acting resume, along with scansion, fight training, and speaking four interplanetary languages. “Now, what is the best rebuke for this foul act?” they asked.