SFA's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' being directed by New York director

Houston junior Kurt Bilanoski and Dallas senior Jennifer Suter rehearse the scene from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Suter's character first sees the result of the spell that has been cast on her friend Bottom. The SFA School of Theatre will present William Shakespeare's popular play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Nov. 19, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The stage of W.M. Turner Auditorium will be transformed into a fantastical woodland landscape where star-crossed lovers and supernatural creatures come together when the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Nov. 19.

The comedy is being guest directed by Chuck Hudson, internationally acclaimed director of musicals, operas, and Shakespeare who trained with the famed mime Marcel Marceau and is known for creating fresh characterizations and visually compelling productions.

Hudson has worked closely with the SFA theatre design faculty to stage the popular story of two pairs of lovers who, after fleeing the rules of society and disapproving parents, find themselves in a forest where they fall victim to the whims of the forest creatures and a magical love potion.

The multi-level set draped with hundreds of yards of fabric, the varied sound and light cues and the neo-classical costumes combine to reveal the contrasts between the two settings.

The designs also contribute to the central image of the love chase-the chasing after the idea you desire, explained Hudson. "Our goal is for the audience to actually 'see' that chase by making visible all the invisible things that an actor may be thinking or feeling."

"Midsummer is truly 'User Friendly Shakespeare' and one of the most enjoyable to attend," Hudson continued. "I am sure the audience will have as much fun watching it as we have performing it."

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, School of Theatre and University Series.

W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Patrons needing an assisted listening device during the performance may check one out through the Fine Arts Box Office.