'Twelfth Night' continues this weekend

Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” directed by special guest Cynthia White, on Feb. 28, March 1-2 and 6-9 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. in the PAC Mainstage Theater.

White has directed at Shakespeare festivals and universities around the country, including the Alabama, Utah, Virginia, Idaho, Texas, Marin, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she was associate director and director of Play Development.

“’Twelfth Night’ is a tale about identity and madness,” said White. “Illyria seems to be a land where characters often act joyously and passionately, making swift choices in the face of danger. There are several groups of people, the haves and the have-nots, the Puritans and the revelers, but only one person, Feste, is able to fluidly glide between different households and groups of friends. Casting a woman in the role of Feste has given us the chance to explore the intersection between gender and identity in the wise fool.”

Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” begins as two young women, just on the verge of adulthood, are each faced with the loss of parent and sibling. Olivia deals with her loss by going into mourning for seven years — we suspect partly to protect herself from all of her friends and relatives who would gladly run her life and estate for her. Viola is rescued from the sea, lands homeless in Illyria, and makes other choices — and therein lies the tale.

“Twelfth Night” will show at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, February 28 through March 1-2, as well as on Wednesday through Saturday, March 6-9. It will also show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 and 10.

Tickets are available through the WWU Box Office and cost $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors, WWU faculty and staff; and $8 for students.

WWU Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour prior to the performance. For individual tickets or disability accommodations, contact the WWU Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or visit http://www.tickets.wwu.edu.

For more information, please call the WWU Department of Theatre and Dance at (360) 650-3876 or visit http://www.wwu.edu/theatredance.