Aquila Theatre to Perform 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at UNA Feb. 8

Dec. 9, 2010

FLORENCE, Ala. – Set in the classical Athenian period of ancient Greece, four young lovers juggle with themes of love, lust, frustration, confusion and marriage as the characters are influenced by the magic of a fairy kingdom. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which will be performed by the Aquila Theatre Company Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium, is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedies.

The Aquila Theatre Company, a professional acting group that formed in London in 1991 and is now based in New York City, will make a stop at the University of North Alabama to perform the well-known comedic play. In addition to their performance, the actors will teach a master class for theatre and English students about topics such as the Shakespearean language, dramatic monologue or general theatre production.

Production coordinator Jayne Jackson, who has been preparing for the Aquila performance since August, said the company’s simplistic use of lighting, music, props and acting breathes new life into Norton Auditorium each year.

“One thing that is so amazing about Aquila is that the actors are so completely well-versed in the Shakespearean language,” Jackson said. “When they perform, the actors know the language and script so well, which makes it more accessible to audiences. It’s an easy way to fall in love with theatre when you watch the actors work.”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be Aquila’s ninth performance at UNA during the last decade. Funded by an endowment from former chair of the Department of English Albert Johnson, UNA has been able to offer discounted ticket prices for students, faculty, staff and community members to see the professional theatre performance.

Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for the general public and can be purchased at the UNA Bookstore, Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Pegasus Records and ColdWater Books. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the show.

For more information about the Aquila performance, contact the Office of University Events at 256-765-4658 or visit www.aquilatheatre.com.