Analyse the presentation of homosexuality in two productions of Twelfth Night.

Generally there are two tendencies towards the
presentation of homosexuality in this great Shakesperian comedy. Either it is
downplayed, or much is made of it. The most obvious relationship that could be described
as homosexual, is that of Sebastian and Antonio, who says, in Act II scene 1, to
Sebastian:

But
come what may, I do adore thee so

That danger shall seem
sport, and I will
go.

However, some productions
treat this as a kind of brotherly love, whereas some openly portray it as a homosexual
longing of an older man for a younger. Of course, this is not the only instance where
homosexuality can be included. One of my favourite productions of this play is Trever
Nunn's film version, with Imogen Stubbs and Helena Bonham-Carter, that includes such
scenes as Orsino and the disguised Viola together pursuing manly activities and Orsino
struggling against the rising attraction that he feels towards Cesario. Depending on the
director, homosexuality can have a very overt presence in this play, or it can be barely
repressed beneath the surface of respectability.