A Midsummer Night's Dream
DVD of the original stage production and a download of the radio production are now on sale

In November 2010, the University of Kansas Theatre presented a groundbreaking production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, one of the first full-length Shakespeare productions in North America performed in original pronunciation (OP). Subsequently, the company recorded a special radio drama version in collaboration with Kansas Public Radio. Both the DVD and the radio production are on sale.

• About the Production
• Media from the Show
• Ordering Information
• Additional Links

Directed by Paul Meier, professor of theatre, collaborating with the noted Welsh linguist David Crystal, one of the greatest living authorities on original pronunciation, this extraordinary production of Midsummer features original music by composer Ryan McCall and choreography by Department of Theatre movement specialist Leslie Bennett. The design team included professor Delbert Unruh, scenic and lighting designer and Dennis Christilles, costume designer, assisted by M.F.A. design students Tammy Keiser and Phillip Schroeder on make-up. Erin Tomkins, a Lawrence, Kansas student, served as sound designer. Two KU theatre faculty members portrayed the King and Queen of the Fairies in the production: Leslie Bennett as Titania and John Staniunas, chair of the Department of Theatre, as Oberon.

The production provides a magical romp through a forest where enemies fall in love; an actor becomes an ass, and the fairy kingdom battles over an Indian boy. In the end, the fairies find peace; the actors perform their play, and the lovers all find happiness in a triple wedding ceremony.

Filmed before a live audience November 20, 2010, the DVD of the full production is now available. Bonus materials include an interview with director Paul Meier.

Press Releases

• Press Release Preceding the Show
• Press Release Regarding the Research

Image Slideshow

DVD will be available soon from Films for the Humanities

Radio Production Ordering Information:

The 90-minute radio production, is available as an mp3 download, price $9.99, from CD Baby at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/amidsummernightsdreamana

For more information on the KU Department of Theatre and University Theatre, visit:

http://www.theatre.ku.edu/
http://www.kutheatre.com/

To hear an example of Shakespeare's text spoken in the OP, visit: http://www.youtube.com/embed/dWe1b9mjjkM

Additional information on the KU production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/dQvD2Hj-Odc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Crystal
http://www.pronouncingshakespeare.com/
http://www.paulmeier.com/OP.pdf
http://www.paulmeier.com/
http://web.ku.edu/~idea/
http://www.kansaspublicradio.org/