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WVU Presents “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 3-8

“Twelfth Night” is the Shakespearian equivalent to a Rom-Com, and this production by West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance throws in the big hair and big feelings of the 1980s! Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride of love, mistaken identity and 80’s pop music.

Corey Atkins, a guest director coming to the School of Theatre & Dance right off the heels of working in New York, has added a dash of 1980s musical flair to this production.

“All of the characters in the play find themselves navigating unexpected and outrageous situations and must decide how—through will and wit—they can make the best of their crazy circumstances,” Atkins said. “It feels like a very relatable story for our own tumultuous and uncertain times. It’s also a great way to leave our own troubles outside the theatre and spend a couple of hours immersed in the fun and fantasy of the beautiful Mediterranean-inspired world this production creates.”

Sir Toby comes on stage drunk and dancing

After a tragic shipwreck, Viola finds herself washed ashore on the beach of Illyria, seeming to have lost her twin brother Sebastian in the storm. Masquerading as a young boy, Viola enters the service of the lovesick Duke Orsino pining over the heart of the indifferent Olivia. When Orsino tasks the cross-dressed Viola to plead with Olivia on his behalf, Olivia falls in love with Viola. Meanwhile, the servants in Olivia’s household along with two drunken knights, have banded together to take revenge on the pompous steward, Malvolio. Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, “Twelfth Night” combines low pranks, high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with some very familiar 80’s tunes.


“It is such a fun show and it has little bits in it for everyone,” said Sabrina Zillinger, senior BFA Acting student playing Viola. “I think the humor transcends the language in such a way that even people who don’t know or don’t typically enjoy Shakespeare will find entertainment in all of the story’s twists and turns”

Countess Olivia scolds the Fool for disrupting her mourning. Attendant and Malvolio watch

Scenic design by Robert Klingelhoefer (USA), professor of scene design; costume design by Jacob Currence, MFA costume design and technology student; lighting and sound design by Alan McEwen, clinical associate professor of lighting and sound design.

“Twelfth Night” will take the stage in the Glady G. Davis Theatre at the Creative Arts Center. Tickets for “Twelfth Night” are available on campus at the Creative Arts Center Box Office (Mon. - Fri. 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.), by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469) and online at ticketmaster.com. To inquire about group rates, email cac@mail.wvu.edu