ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Theatre Program will present the play "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theatre.
Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. nightly Oct. 22-24, and at 3 p.m. Oct 25.
William Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to life when Northern’s student actors take the stage as preppies, punks and glam rockers. Set in the 1980s, this production follows pairs of lovers as they try to unite with their desired partners amid some hilarious mix-ups. At the same time, a crew of hapless wannabe actors are putting together an unintentionally farcical play for the duke’s wedding celebration. These storylines collide when the fairy king Oberon decides to humble his defiant wife, Titania, with some help from the trickster Puck.
Suzi Fitterer, a sophomore theatre major from Sioux Falls, plays Helena, as she chases after her love Demetrius—while he chases after someone else. Asked about playing a humorous role in this bawdy love comedy, she says, “I am in a role that I haven't been used to performing. Because of this, I get to better myself as an artist while still being able to learn as a student how to be flexible with performing. It also benefits me as a student because I am getting a taste of different areas of the theatre.”
This production also features scenic design and sound design from Northern’s new Assistant Professor of Theatre, Noah J. Files. He says his favorite part of working on this show has been digging into the period and style of the 1980s. “Taking a non-traditional approach to a show like ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ gives a lot of opportunity to just play. An urban setting in the 1980s can mean so many different things, and it’s been really fun to explore those different avenues.”
Files adds, “As an artist, taking on a Shakespeare production is always a challenge. I take great pleasure in that challenge, and I think the success of the undertaking is often in direct correlation with how well a production team works together. While working with COVID-19 protocols, and in the challenge of being a new face in a new place, I am very encouraged by the enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and determination of my colleagues and the students involved in the production. As a new faculty member at NSU, I am not only eager to see this production take the stage, I’m excited to be moving forward as both an artist and teacher with the students, faculty, staff and community of Northern State.”
The production is directed by Assistant Professor Dr. Kane Anderson. The artistic staff includes Files as scenic designer and sound designer, as well as new School of Fine Arts Production Manager Brian Omland as lighting designer. Northern alums Emily Susannah Davis and Brian T. Schultz serve as costume designer and projection designer, respectively.
Ticket Information:
Due to COVID-19, admission is free to all 2020-21 NSU School of Fine Arts events. Limited seating is available; passes will be distributed at the door on a first come, first served basis. Masks are required for all patrons, as mandated by the S.D. Board of Regents. Also, attendees are asked to follow appropriate social-distancing protocols.
Please note this show includes some sexually suggestive scenes and consumption of adult substances.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.