Photo by Lois Greenfield
William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — a tale of romance and mischief that takes place in an enchanted forest — makes its way onto the local stage this month when New York’s acclaimed Aquila Theatre performs it along with Luigi Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author,” both presented by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
On March 24, at 7:30 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to experience one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays as performed by the world-renowned Aquila Theatre, an acting company founded in London and now based in New York. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tells the story of four young Athenian lovers and the impish Puck, an elf whose mischievous meddling results in mistaken identity and humorous confusion. Aquila Theatre, praised for its imaginative modern reinterpretations of classic plays, will no doubt thrill the audience while showcasing its unique brand of contemporary magic throughout a masterpiece written more than 400 years ago.
The following evening, March 25, at 8 p.m., Aquila Theatre will once again take to the stage to perform “Six Characters in Search of an Author,” considered a satirical “play within a play.” In other words, put on your thinking caps for this one. In Pirandello’s masterpiece, several actors prepare to rehearse but find themselves continually and unexpectedly interrupted by nameless characters who complain that the writer did not finish their story. If you like “thinker” films and plays, you’ll marvel at “Six Characters,” which raises provocative questions concerning the lines at which reality and art begin and end.
Both plays will be performed at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The actors will introduce the plays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Stage 2 Theater before both performances, and admission to these sessions is free for those already in possessions of tickets to either Aquila Theatre performance.
Tickets are $34 or $44 each and may be purchased online or at the SCPA box office.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. Second St. in Scottsdale 480.994.2787, ext. 2
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