LMU Players perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Published 11:10 am Monday, July 23, 2018

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<p>Pictured are, from left: Shawn Williams, of Middlesboro, as Demetrius; Lauran Duncan, of New Tazewell, Tennessee, as Helena; Elias Rasmussen, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Lysander; Jameson Cosgriff, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Elf; and Petchula Ford, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Hermia.</p>

<p>Pictured are, from left: Aiden Johnson, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Lil Puck; Joe Johnson, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Oberon and Alexa Livesay, of Harrogate, Tennessee, as Puck.</p>

HARROGATE, Tennessee — The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences presented the 2018 Appalachian Shakespeare Project production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” July 12-14.

The Appalachian Shakespeare Project is a part of LMU’s Arts in the Gap summer programming.

Under the guidance of LMU’s Assistant Professor of Theater Joe Gill and Dr. Natalie Spar, assistant professor of English, students of LMU adapted the bard’s classic into Appalachian dialect, translating the dialog and changing the setting to East Tennessee.

The production offered love triangle antics, interconnecting plots, a wedding celebration, and a fairyland setting, all under the light of the moon. Adapted to include relatable elements of Appalachia, this special production featured a whimsical trailer park setting.

The cast included a mix of LMU students and community members.

Aiden Johnson played Puck’s helper, while Alexa Livesay took on the role of Puck. Beth Johnson portrayed Titania/Hippolyta. Casey Cosgriff portrayed Flute/Honeysuckle. Clayton Baker was Bottom; Courtney Hay was Snout/Dust Bunny. Dave Jones played the role of Egeus, and Elias Rasmussen portrayed Lysander. Jameson Cosgriff and Brigham Cosgriff played forest elves. Joe Johnson starred as Oberon/Theseus, while Kendell Daniels played Quince. Laurana Duncan starred as Helena with Mark Smith as Starveling/Cobweb. Petchula Ford starred as Hermia and Shawn Williams as Demetrius. Sonia Sayani portrayed the main fairy.