SLIDESHOW & PHOTO GALLERY: As You Like It

The legacy of legendary creative endeavors remains long after death. William Shakespeare's legacy is his written word. For an actor, leaving a legacy often means performing those same words on stage.

Six N.C. Central University students performed in Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It" Nov. 3, 4, 11 and 12. The staging was a joint production of the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham and the Durham Family Theatre.

Jennifer Justice directed "As You Like It."  She is a co-founder and the artistic director of the Durham Family Theatre.

NCCU theater sophomore Christine Allen acted the role of Rosalind, the protagonist in "As You Like It." Allen sought the challenge of a classic role because she wants to grow as a performer.

"I learned the technique of how to approach Shakespeare instead of just contemporary works," said Allen.

"One of the things that encouraged me to stick with it was the director. She [Justice] was very inspiring, very encouraging and she opened up my eyes to a production that I never thought I could do."

NCCU theatre sophomore Sherena Siler played the role of Celia, Rosalind's close friend. Siler said preparing for "As You Like It" was more intensive than all her previous roles.

"There was a lot more groundwork involved in my preparation," said Siler.

Written at the turn of 16^th century, "As You Like It" is famous for its "All the World's a Stage" soliloquy. The play chronicles Rosalind's flight from persecution to the "Forestof Arden," where she finds love.