The School of Theatre and Dance brings a comedic touch to human desire with a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labors Lost.”

While this play was written in the late 1500’s, director Stanton Davis takes his “Love’s Labors Lost” to the 20th century at the fictional University of Navarra in the late 40’s.

“People have romantic notions of the 40’s and 50’s,” Davis said. “I just love the imagery from that era.”

“Love’s Labors Lost” tells the story of Ferdinand, king of Navarre, and his three friends: Lord Biron, Lord Longaville and Lord Dumaine. The men decide to take an oath to forgo all of their human desires for three years and focus on their studies.

“They’re like the science nerds of Shakespeare’s day,” Davis said.

To add to this already difficult endeavor, the princess of France and her beautiful ladies — Lady Rosaline, Lady Maria and Lady Katharine — have decided to visit Navarre.

The men struggle to follow their oath, and with these beautiful ladies it gets increasingly difficult. While the king falls for the princess of France, each lord falls in love with one of the princess’ ladies. Hilarity ensues.

“It turns real because it’s about young love and how fun and crazy it is,” said senior acting major Caitlin Cavannaugh. “But then toward the end you figure out what it really means and what’s really important.”

This interactive play has actors bringing audience members into their monologues and debates, and actors talk directly to the audience as if they are in the conversation. Breaking out of his comfort zones with audience interaction is a specialty for junior acting major Nick Bryant, who plays Lord Biron.

While “Love’s Labors Lost” usually does not feature this type of audience interaction, those involved in the show decided to add it in.

“When they put us out, it was a little bit intimidating,” Bryant said. “It’s empowering and intimidating, but ultimately it fills you. You get used to it and embrace it.”