GovState theatre students bring a contemporary spin to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Performance runs November 12 – 15, 2026
By Jane Cox, Guest Writer, and Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Love, laughter, mistaken identities, and a little fairy magic take center stage when Governors State University’s (GovState) Theatre and Performance Studies presents William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream this November.
This imaginative production brings Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy into a contemporary world, where young lovers, mischievous fairies, and an enthusiastic troupe of amateur actors collide in a hilarious adventure through love and transformation.
Jane Cox, Cultural Marketing Director for GovState’s Center for Performing Arts (The Center) and director of this upcoming play, spoke to the heart of the story and its ability to connect with many different people.
“Shakespeare is so good at exploring the human condition and emotions. The characters go through a lot; they’re experiencing jealousy, issues with their parents, betrayal, confusion, all these things that are so universal,” said Cox. “What I really try to do is ground all of this in truth. It’s never about trying to be funny, it’s trying to find the truth and then embrace the humor.”
She also shared that she has a bit of history with the story itself having played a fairy in her own high school production of the play, also done in a contemporary setting, and later playing Titania, Queen of the fairies, in another production.
Now, she’s excited to bring GovState students, alumni, and community performers together in this cast.
Student Katrina Konrath, who plays Philostrate and Cobweb the fairy, rediscovered her joy of theatre.
“We listen to each other's ideas, take notes, work on blocking, and overall have fun,” said Katrina. “I have discovered how much I have missed being a part of a production. Even with the small roles, every character is important and complex.”
Student Asia Washington, who plays Hippolyta, also appreciates the comradery of the play.
“The highlight so far has been the community,” said Asia. “Everyone is welcoming and excited to enjoy the art of performance, making it easier for me to let go of any nerves and be present in the moment.”
Set on the campus of GovState, the story unfolds as the boundaries between the everyday world and a magical realm begin to blur. Student Cylia Srmek, who plays the tailor Starveling and fairy Peaseblossom, enjoyed puzzling out how to adapt the play to GovState’s campus.
“We have thought about different groups of people on campus and where our characters would fit in (or defy norms),” said Cylia. “Some of the cast got to take a walk around the sculpture park together to take it in and imagine this setting for some of the scenes in the show!”
The production is also part of The Center’s Arts in Education programming. The November 12 school performance sold out, prompting the addition of a second school performance on November 13, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for live theater and arts education.
Performance Information
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
November 12 – 15, 2026
Sherman Hall, The Center for Performing Arts,
Governors State University
1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois
Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m.
Purchase tickets at https://www.govst.edu/MidsummerDream
Jane Cox is Cultural Marketing Director for the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.
