October 28, 2005: Volume 65, Number 8

Aloha, Shakespeare: Hawaiian-themed 'Midsummer' opens

Shakespeare's comedy about love's trials and tribulations takes an island twist when Lloyd Waiwaiole stages a Hawaiian-themed "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Performances are Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Yulman Theatre.

"It's been a blessing to reconnect with my roots in this way and to share it with students," said Waiwaiole, who is Hawaiian.  

To add to the play's authenticity, Waiwaiole, costumer at the Yulman, called upon his sister, choreographer Nalani Taylor of Kauai, to teach traditional hula dancing, chants and lei-making to the cast.

"All the songs are in Hawaiian, and we added 12 songs," Waiwaole noted.

Midsummer involves more than 70 people, with 24 actors and a large technical crew. Set design, by Charles Steckler, also reflects an island sensibility (yes, there's a volcano, complete with spewing lava).

"It's a brilliant idea and it really works," said Steckler of transporting the Bard's classic to a Hawaiian dreamscape.

William A. Finlay, associate professor of theater, is producer, and John Miller, the theater's technical director, is lighting designer. For tickets, call the box office, 388-6545.

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