A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Role:
Egeus
Show Dates:
November 22, 2017
Venue:
HEIS Fine Arts Auditorium
Director:
Karess Williams
Choreographer:
Karess Williams
Rehearsal Process:
About 50 hours of rehearsal over two months.
Portraying Egeus in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" requires mastering Shakespearean diction, a challenge that demands meticulous attention to the rhythm and intricacy of the language.
Challenges Overcome:
"A Midsummer Night’s Dream" is a comedic play by William Shakespeare, deeply imbued with elements of fantasy, humor, and romance, and rooted in the lush, enchanted forests near Athens. The story intricately entwines the lives of mortals and fairies, centering around the impending nuptials of Duke Theseus of Athens and Hippolyta, the Amazon queen, while also following the complex love entanglements of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors under the capricious influence of fairy magic. Central to its plot is the mischievous Puck, servant to Oberon, the fairy king, whose meddling with love potions leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and transformations. Shakespeare masterfully explores themes of love, identity, and the interplay between reality and illusion, presenting a whimsical yet insightful commentary on the human condition. Through its lyrical language, captivating setting, and blend of fantastical elements, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" transcends time, celebrating the bewildering yet enchanting nature of love and the power of imagination, making it an enduring masterpiece of English literature that continues to delight and provoke thought across generations.
What is A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Who is Egeus
Egeus is a supporting character in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," depicted as a strict Athenian nobleman and the father of Hermia. Firmly rooted in the societal and familial expectations of his time, Egeus ignites one of the central conflicts of the play by insisting that Hermia marry Demetrius, the suitor he has chosen for her, despite her love for Lysander. His character embodies the rigid adherence to the laws and customs of Athens, standing in stark contrast to the freedom and chaos of the enchanted forest where much of the play's action unfolds. Egeus's actions drive Hermia into a situation where she must choose between obedience to her father and the pursuit of her own desires, highlighting themes of autonomy, love versus duty, and the generational clash over marital choices. The role of Egeus requires an actor who can convey authority, conviction, and the complexities of a parent caught in the struggle between societal expectations and familial love. Through Egeus, Shakespeare explores the tensions that arise when personal happiness collides with societal norms, offering a lens through which to examine the power dynamics within families and the broader societal implications of enforcing conformity.