Theater students at Bayfield High School will wrap up their run of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tonight.
Director Sarah Ripley said about 25 students have been working since September to bring the 1940s-set show to the stage.
William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a fairy tale that takes place both in a formal court and in the forest. There are potions and spells, people falling in and out of love ... and it’s a comedy.
“I just have a soft spot in my heart for Shakespeare and his beautifully difficult and poetic language,” Ripley said. “‘Midsummer’ is my new favorite Shakespeare play because the plot is just so fun and the characters are so deep. It’s a fun show; it’s really funny and there are a lot of comedic moments.”
While the Bard’s language can be intimidating, Ripley said her students were more than up for the task, adding that her biggest challenge was shortening the play to about an hour and a half, which meant she had to pare the play down by about an hour.
“It’s just about word for word,” she said. “They were really excited and really dedicated. It was a big process for them to memorize their lines. I think they’re doing a great job; each and every one of them really understands the characters.”
Ripley said that not only is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” an entertaining play to watch, there’s much to be learned in Shakespeare’s writing, even in the 21st century.
“I think it really teaches about how crazy love can be. There are so many life lessons you can learn within the play,” Ripley said. “It’s just a timeless show.”
katie@durangoherald.com
If you go
What:
Bayfield High School Theatre Department presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
When:
7 p.m. Friday.
Where:
Bayfield Performing Arts Center (Bayfield High School), 800 County Road 501, Bayfield.
Tickets:
$7 adults, $5 students and seniors.
