Mischief and magic take center stage as the IU Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance prepares to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, directed by first-year MFA directing candidate Samwell Rose from March 5-13 at the Wells-Metz Theatre.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a romantic comedy that follows intertwined lovers, mischievous fairies and a group of amateur actors as magic in an enchanted forest blurs the line between reality and illusion.
This recent adaptation reimagines Shakespeare’s work through a contemporary lens, emphasizing its continued relevance while creating space to explore themes of queer identity and community, Rose said.
The production will be staged in an arena-style setup, with seating surrounding all angles of the performance space. The design leans into a circus-inspired aesthetic, which is a stylistic choice meant to underscore the production’s central themes of self-expression.
Rose said those elements help emphasize a celebration of queer individuality looking at many of the characters and storyline through a queer lens as well as incorporating elements like gender bending in several roles
“I wanted to approach the play from a place of celebrating what other people might see as freakish about ourselves,” Rose said. “When we embrace it and we love ourselves, it becomes this really beautiful, magical, transformational experience.”
Directing in an arena setting presents unique staging challenges concerning, with audience members viewing the performance from a wide range of vantage points, each seat offering a unique point of view.
Rehearsals began in December and have included long days and late nights as the cast and crew prepare for the opening night.
Elijah Brett, a BFA freshman theatre student who plays Snug and Mustardseed, said the complexity of the show required coordination across all areas of production. With over twenty characters within the play, nine actors took on two roles.
“It’s just a lot of moving pieces, but they’re definitely all coming together now,” Brett said. “It’s just so beautiful seeing every piece fit.”
Brett said he was initially nervous to perform in a college-level production as a freshman, but the experience has affirmed his decision to pursue a degree in acting.
“I’m learning so much,” Brett said. “This is what I came to college for, to learn how to act in different places and how to succeed doing it.”
BFA theatre sophomore Charley Ignatow, who plays Quince and a fairy, said the production’s goal extends beyond performance and aims to bring a sense of joy and belonging to the community.
“I think it's important to remind yourself that there are still these moments of joy and love,” Ignatow said. “Just let yourself get into this world, let yourself have fun with it.”
Tickets to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” can be purchased for 19$ for students and 29$ for adults. More information about the show can be found on the Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance website.
