Piedmont Arts On Stage! presents a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

As part of Piedmont Arts' On Stage! performing arts series, Aquila Theatre Company will perform a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," at 7:30 pm on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Martinsville High School Auditorium.

This marks Aquila Theatre Company's third visit to Martinsville. The company has performed both "Twelfth Night" and "Romeo and Juliet" on previous visits as part of the Piedmont Arts On Stage! series.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" has pleased audiences for centuries, and Aquila's imaginative interpretation will renew the magic of Shakespeare's plot. Set against a classical Athenian backdrop, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" deals with the universal theme of love, and its attendant complications: passion, lust, frustration, depression, confusion and, of course, marriage. Aquila weaves a web of theatrical magic that will take an audience to the heart of an enchanted forest, the injustice of the Athenian court and the political strife of the fairy kingdom.

The plot focuses on the trials and experiences of two sets of lovers, the Fairy King and Queen and their servants, and a group of rude mechanicals attempting to stage a production of "Pyramus and Thisbe" for the wedding of the Duke of Athens. At the heart of the story is the Fairy King's servant, the impish Puck, whose magic creates an endless supply of mirth, mistaken identity and inappropriate, if not absolutely ludicrous passions.

Founded in London in 1991 by Peter Meineck, Aquila Theatre Company is based in New York City and is one of the foremost producers of touring theater. Since its inception, the company has won critical and academic acclaim for its dedication to classical drama. Aquila presents a regular season of plays in New York, at international festivals, and tours to approximately 70 American towns and cities a year. Aquila also provides access to theater for people in under-served rural and inner city communities.

Tickets are available here, at Piedmont Arts or by calling 276.632.3221. Tickets are $28 for reserved, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.