Shows will be in The Lair at Battle Ground High School

Battle Ground High School’s drama program is excited to present their upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“Audiences will be enthralled with the look, feel and wonderful character work the actors are bringing to life,” said director Stephan “Cash” Henry. “It’s a chance to disappear into the world of the play for two magical hours.”

One of Shakespeare’s most popular works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a complex and amusing tale of love, magic and dreams unfolding in three interconnected plots, linked by a celebration of the Duke of Athens’ upcoming marriage to the Queen of the Amazons.

“Some of the best moments of getting ready for the show have been watching the students take ownership of their roles,” Henry said. “The bonding that happens during a show is one of my favorite things to witness.”

Shows will be in The Lair at Battle Ground High School (300 W. Main St.). Tickets are $7 per person ($5 with an ASB card), purchasable at the door or in advance online. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on May 9-10 and 16-18, with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 11.

Students in the play said learning the Old English of Shakespeare’s time has been a challenge, but the most difficult aspect is learning how to act out their parts in a way that helps the audience understand what is going on.

“The audience doesn’t have to understand every word of what we’re saying, but they have to know how it makes us feel,” added Tahlia Maya, who is taking on the role of Hermia. “Being able to connect with the audience is part of what makes Shakespeare special.”

“The language I can understand well enough,” said Logan Lowery, who plays Nick Bottom and Pyramus, “but making the rhymes sound natural and not like rhymes all the time is rather difficult.”

Reed Vuylsteke, who plays Lysander, said he is excited to see how audiences react to the comedy. “We have put a lot of work into this show for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “It definitely feels like the most ambitious one I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m excited to share it.”

Information provided by the Battle Ground School District.