Watching a Shakespeare play is like watching a soap opera of our lives: they include inappropriate jokes, awkward crushes, lust, love, anger, whining, frustration, jealousy and even death. And yet, while Shakespeare’s plays are relatable, sometimes the language can be hard to overcome.

This weekend’s performance of “Chemical Imbalance,” presented by GoShakes Theater Troupe, dives into the turbulent, crazy and even delightful emotions of life according to Shakespeare, allowing audiences to see the parallels between Shakespeare’s characters and themselves.

While roughly 60% of Americans struggle to read and understand Shakespearean language, according to English professor Michael Mack, a performance of a Shakespeare play can help to make the text easier to comprehend.

Cut directly from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Chemical Imbalance” is the story of Demetrius, Lysander, Helena and Hermia dealing with everyday issues of life and love in a confusing world. The play is meant to shed new light on the relationships of these four characters, making them more relatable to audiences.

Director and actor Phil Weaver-Stoesz says that many people might be afraid of Shakespeare’s language, and it’s heaviness. However, he aims to make his performances as understandable as possible.

“I aim to reach people who have an ‘unfun’ idea of what Shakespeare typically is,” says Weaver-Stoesz, “and show them how great Shakespeare can be.”

Presented in original Shakespearean language, “Chemical Imbalance” brings Shakespeare’s characters to life, making Shakespeare’s text relatable to all audiences.

Wonder what you’re missing with Shakespeare? Be sure to see “Chemical Imbalance” this weekend at LaunchPad: 234 S. Main St. Goshen, IN 46526. Cost will be $15.

Performances:

Saturday, March 29: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 30: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Monday, March 31: 8 p.m.