Averett University’s Theatre Department is kicking off the new semester with an exciting production of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, running from September 19th to 21st. All performances are at 7 pm and are free for students, faculty and staff.
Directed by Assistant Professor and Co-Chair of Theatre Giuseppe Ritorto, this highly anticipated play promises to transport the audience into a world of magic, love, and laughter. The cast, composed of talented university students, includes sophomore Brooke Burke. Students, faculty, and Danville residents are all invited to attend this enchanting production.
For Ritorto, the production’s vision was inspired by the warmth and magic of summer, particularly the enchanting imagery of fireflies. He wanted to capture that playful and magical essence, creating a vibrant atmosphere for Shakespeare’s whimsical characters.
“My vision was deeply inspired by the essence of fireflies in summer,” Ritorto shared. “Conjuring feelings of warmth, playfulness, and the enchanting spirit of the season. This concept embodies the magic of love and the whimsical nature of the characters, resulting in a vibrant and captivating atmosphere that permeates the entire play.”
This theme of summer magic plays a central role in the production’s visual elements, from the set design to the costumes. the creative process involved extensive research and collaboration with his team to bring this vision to life while maintaining Shakespeare’s original essence.
“To bring this adaptation to life, I undertook extensive research into diverse interpretations of the play,” Ritorto said. “I analyzed various stage productions and film adaptations, while also exploring the historical context that shaped Shakespeare’s motivations for writing this masterpiece. A Midsummer Night’s Dream reflects societal norms and delves into themes of love, identity, and transformation—concepts that resonate just as strongly today.”
He also praised his production team for their efforts in making the play visually engaging, adding their creative touches to bring the magic of the play to the stage.
“Mr. Justin Swann-Hall’s stunning costumes draw inspiration from international influences,” Ritorto said. “While Mr. Jackie Finney’s playful set design, complemented by enchanting lighting, brings the world of the play to life. Additionally, Mr. Richard Breen’s guidance as our Acting Coach and Dramaturg was invaluable. Together, we created a magical and engaging production under the concept of ‘Fireflies in Summer.’”
Working with students to perform Shakespeare comes with its challenges, especially with the complex language and structure of Shakespeare’s text.
“One of the initial challenges,” Ritorto said. “Was helping the students become comfortable with the language, particularly the intricacies of iambic pentameter. We spent time breaking down the text so each actor thoroughly understood their lines. Shakespeare is meant to be performed, not merely read, and once we moved beyond table work into blocking, the dialogue began to resonate with the actors.”
Brooke Burke, a sophomore who plays Helena, shared her excitement about the production. The cast brings a fresh energy to the play. Additionally, an inspired twist adds a unique cultural flair to the show’s visual style.
“We’ve added a Bollywood element to the show,” Burke explained. “That is sure to separate it from other performances. With a neutral color palette juxtaposed by saturated colors, it’s truly a beautiful piece of art once it’s all together.”
Playing a character in a Shakespeare production has its challenges. Burke discussed the difficulty of performing in a larger-than-life style, as the stage demands exaggerated expressions and movements that might feel unnatural but are necessary to convey emotion to the entire audience.
“The most challenging part of developing my character,” Burke admitted. “Was attempting to be over the top. On stage, you must exaggerate your movements and expressions, so it can be seen from every audience member. It can feel silly, but to someone sitting in the back, it looks normal.”
Despite these challenges, Burke finds Helena to be a relatable character, especially for younger audiences. Helena’s persistence in the face of rejection is something many can identify with, making her journey more engaging for viewers.
“She’s considered the ‘girl next door,” Burke said. “Trying to woo the boy she likes, but he likes someone else. It’s a relatable experience for many, especially teenagers. And even though it’s Shakespeare, when you really pay attention, you can recognize classic character stereotypes.”
As A Midsummer Night’s Dream graces the stage at Averett University from September 19th to 21st, audiences can look forward to an engaging and magical experience. With a fresh interpretation and a dedicated cast of university students, this production promises to offer a memorable exploration of Shakespeare’s timeless themes. Be sure to join for an evening of enchanting performances.
