Patrick Page masters Shakespeare’s darkest characters

Attending “All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain” at the Guthrie Theater felt like stepping into a spellbinding séance, where Shakespeare’s most infamous villains were brought vividly to life.

In this 75-minute solo performance, the talented Patrick Page explores how the Bard – a title of honor given to William Shakespeare, renowned as the “Bard of Avon” for his unmatched mastery of the English language – not only crafted unforgettable villains but essentially invented the archetype. Running through Nov. 10, this production offers an unforgettable evening of thought-provoking theater this fall.

What truly captivated the audience was Page’s ability to shift seamlessly between characters, scenes, and even entire plays. One moment, he embodied the scheming Lago from “Othello”; the next, he became the tormented Macbeth. Each villain had its own distinct voice, physicality, and mannerisms, making it easy to forget that a single actor was commanding the stage. Watching Page transition so fluidly was like experiencing a master conductor bring to life a symphony of Shakespearean wickedness, each note more compelling than the last.

The play’s themes also felt particularly timely, given today’s cultural climate, where society often relies on simplified labels to define others. Through its exploration of villainy, the performance became more than a showcase of Shakespeare’s characters – it became a reflection of how we, too, can be quick to vilify others. It was a powerful reminder of the complexity we often overlook in ourselves and others.

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Recommended for eighth grade and up, “All the Devils Are Here” addresses mature themes like violence, mental health diagnoses, and other challenging topics found in Shakespeare’s works. I attended with my ninth-grade cousin, who’s mostly familiar with “Romeo and Juliet.” Despite this limited exposure, she found the performance engaging, drawn in by Page’s dynamic storytelling and theatrical range. His anecdotes about the historical context and the origins of the characters added depth, making the centuries-old language feel surprisingly relatable.

A particularly delightful aspect was Page’s frequent engagement with the audience. Throughout the performance, he broke the fourth wall, adding humorous commentary and clever asides that gave a modern twist to Shakespeare’s text. These interactions not only lightened the darker themes but also created a sense of camaraderie, as if we were part of an intimate conversation with the actor himself.

A fun fact about Patrick Page: He’s no stranger to playing villains. His extensive résumé includes iconic roles like Claudius in “Hamlet,” Lago in “Othello,” and even Hades in “Hadestown.” A Tony nominee, Page has earned a reputation as one of the finest interpreters of Shakespeare’s darker characters. His experience and insight shone through in every line, making “All the Devils Are Here” not just a performance but a master class in villainy.

For those looking to explore further, the Guthrie Theater’s official study guide is an excellent resource, filled with activities, character analyses, and historical context to enrich the viewing experience for both students and educators​.

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“All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain” runs through Nov. 10, so be sure to catch this mesmerizing and thought-provoking performance before it’s gone!

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.