IU Theatre + Dance presents ‘The Winter’s Tale’
By IU Theatre + Drama
February 14, 2023
Open gallery
“The Winter’s Tale” is one of Shakespeare’s late plays. King Leontes suspects that his expectant wife, Hermione, and oldest friend, Polixenes, have become too close, and he questions the paternity of the child-to-be. The play, both a tragedy and a comedy, combines myth-like patriarchal jealousy with the indomitable female strength and resilience.
Five MFA actors and 20 designers and technicians have created and collaborated to celebrate the wonder of the Bard’s fairytale, playing at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 to 25 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre.
The MFA actors are Emily Davis as Hermione, Gavin W. Douglas as Leontes, Leah Mueller as Mamillius/Perdita, Bobby Ayala Perez as Antigonus/Autolycus, Caroline Sanchez as Paulina. Also featured is Equity actor Asia Mark as Camillo.
Enduring relevance and imagination
Shakespeare’s plays span several decades and continue to be performed in theaters around the globe because of their cultural relevance, “The Winter’s Tale” is no exception.
“The Winter’s Tale is relevant to our cultural moment because it allows for healing,” Mueller said. “After the pandemic, we all need grace, understanding, empathy, faith, love and friendship, and those ideas are at the heart of this piece, mixed in with a little tragedy, comedy and fun.”
Douglas agrees that the Bard’s wicked and redemptive fairytale is a glimpse into the possibilities of our future moving forward.
“Imagination is the way we share our vision of an ideal future,” he said. “It’s also the way that we celebrate, share stories and the wellspring of creativity, and ultimately, our source of hope.”
Sanchez said “The Winter’s Tale” is a great opportunity for the actors and designers to demonstrate their range.
“The opportunity to collaborate onstage is a true blessing,” she said. “Having arrived here at the height of the pandemic, this is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our growth, tenacity and perseverance as performing artists as we take our final bow.”
The ensemble also includes undergraduate acting students and members of IU Contemporary Dance.
The play is directed by visiting assistant professor Sam White, with choreography by senior contemporary dance student Katelyn Connor. Joining them on the creative team is faculty member Reuben Lucas on scenic design; MFA students Camille Deering on costume design, Corey Goulden-Naitove on lighting design, Valeriya Nedviga on sound design and Lexi Silva as dramaturg; and undergraduate musical theater student Justin Tidd as stage manager.
Tickets are available at Indiana Theatre website.