Theater: Twelfth Night February 17, 2006

The Carleton Players will present William Shakespeare?s ?Twelfth Night? on Friday, Feb. 17 and 24 and Saturday, Feb. 18 and 25 at 8 p.m. in the Carleton College Arena Theater. The event is free and open to the public, though reservations are recommended.

Directed by Ruth Weiner, the Class of 1944 Professor of Theater and Liberal Arts, ?Twelfth Night? was written by William Shakespeare near the middle of his career, probably about 1601. Many critics consider it to be among his greatest comedies, encompassing themes of illusion, deception, disguise and love. As one of Shakespeare?s ?transvestite comedies,? ?Twelfth Night? features a female protagonist, Viola, who disguises herself as a boy named Cesario. Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Sebastian, Viola is forced to work as a page in the Duke of Orsino?s palace. Viola falls in love with the Duke, who is in turn in love with the beautiful Olivia. To further complicate matters, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, Viola?s male alter ego. Hysteria and confusion ensue in this renowned comedy.

The Carleton Players produce three faculty-directed stage productions each year, ranging from Greek drama to new works. Weiner is the Class of 1944 Professor of Theater and the Liberal Arts, as well as chair of the theater and dance department. She teaches acting, directing and contemporary theater, along with regularly directing Players productions.

The Carleton College Arena Theater has limited disability accessibility. For more information or disability accommodations, call the Arena Theater office at (507) 646-4531. For reservations, call the Carleton Players reservation number at (507) 646-4471.