Shakespeare comes to UC campus for Welcome Week

“We wanted to bring something to campus that showcases the value of the arts,” said Joanna Huh, an associate professor of English and board of trustees member for Cincy Shakes.

The troupe will bring a free, public performance of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to UC's Bearcats Commons later this month, as part of UC's Welcome Week.

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, also known as Cincy Shakes, was started by young artists in 1993. What began as a troupe that put on five productions per year has graduated to over 250 shows across nine different productions annually. In 2017, the company moved its operations into the Otto M. Budig Theater in Cincinnati’s historic Over-The-Rhine district.

There's a reason that when A&S and the Humanities department came together, they chose Cincy Shakes to bring a sense of community to welcome week. Jay Twomey, A&S dean of humanities, points out that art brings people together, especially the Cincinnati community. 

“As humanists, we spend a lot of time interpreting our shared cultural, historical, and intellectual contexts. A focus on language, particularly creative language, is a fundamental part of this. So a Shakespeare performance fits right in with who we are.”

On August 22, they are bringing their performance of  'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' to campus as a part of their Shakespeare in the Park tour. The show is taken to cities across the tri-state area as a free summer activity between July 11th and August 31st.

 The play is one of Shakespeare's most lighthearted and whimsical pieces, which is partially why it was chosen for the summer. “We chose ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ because it’s one of Shakespeare’s most magical, hilarious, and accessible plays. It’s packed with mischief, romance, and absurdity,” said Vella.

Putting together such a production while traveling has its moments. From facing unpredictable weather to technical challenges, the cast and crew has experienced its fair share of roadblocks. For them, Vella says it’s “always worth it”.

“The laughter, engagement, and genuine delight from crowds has kept our team energized and reminded us of the power of live theater. Those shared moments are why we do what we do,” said Vella.

The hope for each Cincy Shakes performance is that their passion for the program is conveyed through their shows.

“It’s a great way to meet people, enjoy a beautiful night outdoors, and feel part of something creative and communal right from the start of the school year,” said Vella.

Featured image at top: Crowds enjoying a midsummer's night performance from the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Photo/Provided