Shakespeare is paying a visit to our area this week, as the newest theatre company in town - Alchemy Theatre Troupe - presents the comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for one night only on June 30 at the lovely Barboursville Park Amphitheatre.
The show is being directed by theatre veteran Dr. John Campbell, as part of the new WV Shakes Festival, and we sat down recently to talk about the show.
Q: In 25 words or less, what is “Midsummer Night’s Dream” about?
John: Fairies rule, lovers drool,
Dukes and workers play the fool.
Love is never what it seems,
When it happens in our dreams.
Q: Tell us about your duties with the show.
John: I have had the privilege of directing a very talented cast in a timelessly relevant work. I try to point them in a direction, then stay out of their way, and good things happen!
Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?
John: Alchemy Theatre Troupe, on whose board I serve, wanted to launch a WV Shakespeare Festival. I proposed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the rest is happening at 7 p.m., June 30 at Barboursville Park Amphitheater.
Q: How challenging is the Shakespeare dialogue?
John: Oh, we have had to look up a word here or there, and sometimes figure out the sentence structure (something I’m good at doing) to understand what the Bard was saying, but even actors without Shakespeare experience have found him accessible. Staging brings the words on the page to life, and our audience will have little difficulty following the action.
Q: What’s your background in theatre?
John: I’ve been on stage in a few shows in the area, most recently The Odd Couple and A Catered Affair, with ARTS. I directed An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan for them also. I’ve had the privilege of having small roles in Shakespeare plays at ARTS (As You Like It), WV State (Comedy of Errors), and Woodford Theatre in central Kentucky (Macbeth).
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
John: 1. Shakespeare’s ability to turn a phrase - “How now, mad spirit?” “Night and silence!” “The course of true love never did run smooth.” “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” And on and on with gems that now permeate the English language, and do permeate the cast’s conversations.
2. The talent of this cast. Every night at rehearsal they find new depths, new laughs, new hijinks within their characters and Shakespeare’s text.
3. The setting in the amphitheater in Barboursville Park. By our 7:00 showtime the audience and stage will be in shade (usually with a light breeze, we’ve found); and to experience a play about fairies and lovers in the woods, while surrounded by trees and mountains, is to enjoy a truly delightful evening!
Thanks, John!
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre will present the play by William Shakespeare as part of the WV SHAKES festival on June 30 at 7 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre. Tickets are $20.
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