Eastman stages Shakespearean classic

he Eastman Opera Theatre is staging a modern version of the classic A Midsummer Night's Dream with an opening performance on Thursday, April 3, at 8 p.m. in Eastman Theatre.

Based on Shakespeare's 1595 comedic play about love and fantasy, the modern three-act opera written by Benjamin Britten (with a libretto written by the composer and collaborator Peter Pears) centers around different forms of love in society, revealed through four distinct groups of players: the Fairies, the Lovers, the Royalty, and the Rustics. The entire action of the story occurs from twilight to dawn and plays out as a dream in which everything is reversed.

"Shakespeare's literary brilliance has survived the test of time," says director Steven Daigle, associate professor of opera at Eastman. "His themes are relevant today and will surely continue to entertain and educate audiences far into the future. Likewise, Benjamin Britten is considered one of the premier opera composers of the 20th century. . . .This production explores, in an intriguing way, the universal nature and the many facets of love as a necessary part of the human condition."

The opera features two alternating casts of Eastman voice students accompanied by the Eastman Philharmonia, conducted by Benton Hess, Distinguished Professor of Voice and music director of Eastman Opera Theatre. It also features members of the Eastman Children's Chorus (a new ensemble of the school's Community Education Division) as a chorus of fairies.

Performances continue through Saturday, April 5, at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $15, with discounts available for University students, faculty, and staff. They are available in advance at Ticket Express (100 East Avenue), by phone at 232-1900, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or at the theater box office one hour prior to the start of each performance.

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