Trinity Theater Production Debuts "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"

The simplistic stage of Trinity's production of 
A Midsummer Night's dream

Photo by Andrea Acevedo

By Andrea Acevedo

Trinity theater’s production of the Shakespeare classic, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," debuted Friday.

The play, a comedy, was written in the late 16th century. While it has seen countless adaptations, many with extravagant stage design and props, Trinity’s production features minimal stage design. Instead, the show wowed its audience with the acting and light design. The lighting imitated the light effects in a forest, where the play is set.

The acting was also unusual as characters like Hermia and Lysander were played by two actors at once, who said the same lines and synchronized their motions side by side. This made their voices louder and emotions more visible.

“The design was pretty minimalist, which is something they have been doing a lot this semester. In recent years, they have made everything super simplistic so you really focus on the acting itself,” said sophomore Liz Metzger, who is a big fan of Trinity’s theater. “The lighting itself was my favorite part because it really enhanced all of the songs and movements.”

Every year, Trinity Theatre hosts a guest artist ranging from directors to costume designers. This semester’s guest artist is Nona Shepphard, the associate director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Shepphard has worked for over 150 productions and 40 commissioned plays. She directed this Trinity’s adaptation of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

Sarah Bastos, a freshman theater major, felt very passionate about attending the opening night. “I adore theater and I adore Shakespeare. So of course, why wouldn’t I go?”

Jill Rhew, mother of Madeline Rhew, who played main characters Queen Hippolyta and Queen Titania, drove from Friendswood, Texas, to attend the opening night. “She was a big theater girl and opening night is always very important. It’s special because it’s the first night that they have an official audience,” said Mrs. Rhew.

Director Nona Shepphard was honored at the end of the show with a tradition usually saved for the closing night. She was leaving for London the next morning, and the crew called her on stage to receive a bottle of wine and thanks from the cast for her mentorship and direction.

The opening night was not sold out, mainly because many students opted to attend the Lunar New Year celebration, which was held at about the same time as the play.

“There were a lot of other campus events happening that same night, and I knew that "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" would be happening again and Lunar New Year would not,” said Maddie Kennedy, a sophomore in political science.

Trinity’s Student Government Association has purchased 500 student tickets for the play and is giving them out for free. Students can get the free tickets at the Ruth Taylor Box office with the presentation of a valid student ID. SGA purchased the tickets with student activity fees.

The play will run until Saturday Feb 25th.