SHAKESPEARE
duchess. Taking place in a mythical Athens and an enchanted forest, there is a handsome fairy king, a misguided parent, starcrossed lovers, a weaver who’s transformed into a half-donkey, wood sprites and elves.
“When the play is completed, the lovers go to bed; the fairies briefly emerge to bless the sleeping couples with a protective charm and then disappear. Only Puck remains, to ask the audience for its forgiveness and approval and to urge it to remember the play as though it had all been a dream.”
The website concludes: “This work is widely performed around the world, and no wonder — it’s about the world’s most popular pastime, falling in love.”
Ayala firmly believes in the power of seeing theater brought to life on stage. And she’s equally complimentary of the cast and crew. “I think they’ve done a great job and worked really hard. It’s a great cast. I hope the audience responds to their energy.”
She invites the community to come out for an evening or afternoon “and have fun with us. I think people won’t want to miss it.”
Added Cervantes as she took time out from working on costumes, “This one is for the people in Yuma. It’s for our local community that’s here year-round … a thank you to them for their support.”
Cervantes shares Ayala’s enthusiasm for bringing the classics to the local stage. “Everyone is really enjoying being a part of it and learning to speak the language of Shakespeare.”
An English teacher, she noted that she teaches a lesson on words created by Shakespeare “and now we use them.” Her own daughter is one of the characters and announced one day, “Oh, I get it.” That, said Cervantes, is awesome for a 17-year-old.
People often think Shakespeare is so difficult, Cervantes said. “But I think through the actions of the characters they will understand and be laughing through the whole thing.”
Yuma Community Theater incorporated in 1983 and is a not-for-profit all volunteer community theater devoted to providing live theater entertainment in Yuma and having fun doing it. All are welcome to participate, as players, backstage crew, organizers and audience.
DIGGIN’ GOLD DANCE BAND
WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. WHERE: American Veterans, 8889 S. Frontage Road GOING ON: Ernie and Hap of Diggin’ Gold will play country and classic