“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” A timeless sentiment from William Shakespeare, and never more appropriate than in the midst of the comic mayhem that unfolds in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, opening at Texas Lutheran University on February 20.
“This production feels magical!” says Dramatic Media Professor Shannon Ivey, who is directing the show. The production combines the classic script with modern design elements for a truly unique experience. Another unique aspect according to Ivey is that TLU students, alumni, and faculty all share the stage. “There’s something wonderfully whimsical about watching generations of TLU artists collide in the same story. For some of our students, this is their very first exposure to Shakespeare, and it’s such a joy to see them discover that his world is funny, timely, and deeply relatable. Directing artists at different stages of their careers—and watching them learn from one another as they bring this magical play to life—has truly been a gift.”
Picture it: Four young lovers—Lysander, in love with Hermia and ready to risk death to be with her; Demetrius, who used to like Helena, but has now set his sights on Hermia; Hermia, small but mighty, determined to choose her own husband rather than having one chosen for her; and Helena, set on winning Demetrius back, even if it’s the last thing she does.
That tangled web would be entertaining enough all on its own. But when the four escape into an enchanted forest, crossing into the fairy kingdom, the real adventure begins. There, the mischievous fairy Puck, in an effort to set things right with a simple love potion, gets confused over which mortal is which and administers the potion to the wrong people.
Puck is played by Dr. Heather Couture, assistant professor at the university’s School of Music. “Every time we needed a touch more whimsey or a bit more magic, Heather would pull out a kazoo, or a violin, or roller skates!” says Ivey. “It's been FUN to have such a wildly talented colleague in our show!”
As the summer night wears on, a whole cast of characters are added to the mix, and there will be pandemonium—and a whole lot of laughs—before all is said and done. But even though the path of true love never did run smooth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ultimately, is a play about love, its foibles and fortitude, and ultimately, its triumph.
Performances will take place February 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and February 22 and 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, which is located on campus in the Weston Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased right here.