Student production of Shakespeare adaptation performs at St Andrew Square

A student production of Jeff Whitty’s contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was recently presented at the Assembly Bijou Spiegel tent in St Andrew Square. The 90-minute performance featured nine actors covering 26 roles, utilizing a minimalist set and camp, burlesque-inspired costumes to explore themes of gender, identity, and sexuality through an LGBTQ+ lens.

The production incorporated elements of Gilded Age Pittsburgh, Appalachian folklore, and house music. While the ensemble was noted for its talent and commitment, the immersive staging—which placed much of the action at ground level—presented visibility challenges for the audience. Additionally, external noise from the surrounding square impacted some of the quieter moments of the play.