Aquila Theatre Company returns to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Mar. 22

 

DURANGO, Colo. – The Aquila Theatre Company, which the New York Times called “…a classically trained, modernly hip troupe,” brings its unique production of William Shakespeare’s moonstruck comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

The Aquila actors will also conduct a pre-show discussion about the production at 6:30 p.m. in the Vallecito Room of the Fort Lewis College Student Union. The discussion is free and open to the public.

Operating with a core belief that access to excellent art is essential in a free society, the Aquila Theatre Company of New York City strives to maximize opportunities for all audiences to experience thought-provoking, imagistic and innovative classical theatre. Aquila’s comedic mastery and physical ensemble techniques in this, its latest production, promise a “Dream” not soon forgotten.

            Set against a classical Athenian backdrop and an imaginary set designed by Aquila artistic director Peter Meineck, the play deals with the universal theme of love and its attendant complications: passion, lust, frustration, depression, confusion, and, of course, marriage. Incorporating modern-dress (colorful costumes designed by Heidi Buckingham and Louise Handford), Aquila weaves a web of theatrical magic designed to take its audience to the heart of an enchanted forest, illustrate the injustice of the Athenian court, and reveal the political strife of the fairy kingdom.

            True to Shakespeare’s script, the plot centers on the challenges of two sets of lovers, the Fairy King Oberon and Queen Titania and their servants, as well as the amusing preparations for the production of the play “Pyramus and Thisbe” for the wedding of the Athenian Duke Theseus and Hippolyta. Central to the story is Oberon’s servant, the impish Puck, whose magic creates on-going mirth, mistaken identity and “inappropriate” passions.

            Of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Robert McDowell, Triangle Arts & Entertainment, wrote, “With each actor and actress essaying multiple roles, and bringing each unforgettable character to full, glorious life, the Aquila Theatre’s robust rendition of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a production that would have pleased the Immortal Bard. Bravo!”

Tickets for Aquila Theatre Company’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – $22/$30/$38 – are available on-line at www.durangoconcerts.com or by calling 970.247.7657, or at the Ticket Office in Downtown Durango at 7^th and Main Ave. All sales final.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m., with doors to the Concert Hall and concessions, serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, opening at 6:30 p.m.

The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and the city of Durango, as well as through financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.