Ozarks Technical Community College’s Fine Arts Department will present: The Traveling Symphony’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in April. The immersive theatrical experience will take place at several outdoor spaces around Springfield. All performances are free and open to the public.
Inspired by “Station Eleven,” a novel by Emily St. John Mandel, the plot follows a group of nomadic performers on their quest to keep a post-apocalyptic civilization alive. The audience, cast as survivors in the world of Station Eleven, will be entertained by William Shakespeare’s classic comedy from within a Traveling Symphony encampment.
“Our production explores the effect of the performing arts on individuals and civilizations,” said Jon Herbert, director. “By thrusting our audiences into the post-apocalyptic world of Station Eleven, we can show them how music and theater can inspire and uplift individuals, even in the darkest of times.”
Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the outdoor production. All performances begin at 6 p.m. The Traveling Symphony’s preshow acts begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Traveling Symphony’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performance dates and locations:
Friday, April 13: The Library Center
Saturday, April 14: The Library Center
Friday, April 20: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park – Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Saturday, April 21: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park – Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Sunday, April 22: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park – Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Friday, April 27: Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield Campus Plaza
Saturday, April 28: Springfield Art Museum Amphitheatre
Sunday, April 29: Springfield Art Museum Amphitheatre
Additionally, Ms. Mandel, author of “Station Eleven,” will discuss the novel that inspired OTC’s production on Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Library Center. The Traveling Symphony will perform a 45-minute showcase prior to Ms. Mandel’s speaking engagement. For more information about the OTC Fine Arts’ production: The Traveling Symphony’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” visit otc.edu/finearts.
