The British acting company Actors from the London Stage will present William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hope College on Thursday–Friday, Nov. 12–13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.
One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream features young love, battles with parents, fairies and a host of interesting characters.
Hermia’s father, the Duke of Athens, gives her four days to choose between marrying
Demetrius, going to a nunnery, or facing a death sentence. Of course, Hermia actually
loves Lysander, and, fortunately, he loves her too, so they run off. The fairy world
is not doing much better, and it only becomes more humorous when the two worlds mix.
Actors from The London Stage (AFTLS) tours each year with a new cast specially chosen
for that year’s production. The classically trained actors come with extensive stage
experience, including many from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre
of Great Britain and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
The performances are the culmination of a week-long residency at Hope College during
which the actors visit more than 20 classrooms. Each classroom visit is tailored to
meet a faculty member’s request, and the actors will present in a variety of academic
areas.
The actors making up the company are Chris Donnelly, Claire Redcliffe, Ffion Jolly,
Patrick Doddy and Sam Collings. They not only perform multiple roles in the play,
but are also responsible for the creation of the performance as they work without
a director. The performances feature minimal props, costumes and set, thus showcasing
the talent of the ensemble while keeping the focus on Shakespeare’s words.
AFTLS previously had residencies and performances at Hope in 1999 and 2003.
Tickets are $10 for regular admission, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for children and
students, and free for Hope College faculty, staff, and students. Tickets are available
at the ticket office in the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the
Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The office is open weekdays
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890. Tickets are also available
online at hope.edu/tickets.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.