Shakespearean play shows new plot, old language

Sitting in the cushioned auditorium chairs of the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, one would not have realized that a production crafted by Shakespeare was to be performed.

The stage boasted a simple set that seemed unfinished with a “Cupid’s Studios” sign as the main focal point. The actors wore black and white garb from the 1930s — not the expectation for Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

However, as the production evolved and transformed from one play to a play within a play, colors and more finished products appeared.

For the past two weeks, members of the Department of Theatre and Drama have performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The show, which has received much acclaim for its modern style, helped reach an audience that might not understand the antiquated language of Shakespeare.

The early Hollywood setting, paired with the traditional language of the playwright’s creation, launched a new take on the original concept of the show.

For some members of the audience, the language of the production was more accessible because of the addition of dance numbers, glitz and Hollywood glamour.

“Going into this, I expected it to be exactly how it was when I read it — confusing,” freshman Chris Pilipiszyn said.

However, Pilipiszyn said this non-traditional performance style made the play make much more sense than it had when he read it in a high-school English class.

“The 1930s are a lot more familiar than the mythological times Shakespeare had it originally set in,” Pilipiszyn said.

Freshman Maya Ferrario said that although she had never read the Shakespearean tale, she had seen a more traditional showing of this production prior to coming to IU.
 
While she was confused by the play at first, the rendition made more sense as the
show continued.

“I seem to be able to connect with this a little bit more, and I seem to be more interested,” Ferrario said. “I like the show and what they’ve done with it.”

However, other audience members were confused by the modernized production.

Sally Miller, a junior in the audience, said she had read the drama before seeing the performance.

“I’m confused as to what Cupid’s Studios has to do with anything,” Miller said. “I like it, but I feel like it doesn’t flow.”