In a plot twist worthy of the dramatic masterworks it produces, Shakespeare on the Lawn recently learned that they have lost the performance space for their spring play to the Dave Matthews Band.
The student dramatic organization booked the Student Activities Building last August for April 19_21 for its production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by British playwright Tom Stoppard.
But the announcement in February of the Dave Matthews Band concert in neighboring Scott Stadium on April 21 nixed the performance planned for that Saturday night because the area would be blocked off for concert use.
Shakespeare on the Lawn moved the performance to Sunday night, only to have that show canceled because of the band's recent decision to add a second performance.
"Basically it's just been a nightmare with us getting all of our information second or third hand," said fourth-year College student Lisa Scavo, who directs the production. "We've really been scrambling."
According to Scavo, the group's odyssey to save its show and find other performance options was made even more difficult by a lukewarm response from the University for possible solutions to their scheduling conflict.
"We obviously don't blame Dave Matthews for performing a charity concert on those nights," Scavo said. "We blame the red tape at the University."
Newcomb Hall Director of Reservations Linda Harman, who informed the group in February their reserved space had become unavailable, declined to comment.
The situation "highlights the need for a viable amateur performance space," said third-year College student and Shakespeare on the Lawn President Amanda Griffin. "But the arts campus in the [Virginia] 2020 report is a step in the right direction."
The Virginia 2020 plan creates goals for the University in many areas, including fine and performing arts, that should be completed by the year 2020.
One of the initiatives in the plan calls for a $14 million addition to the drama building that will provide extra classrooms and more rehearsal and performance space for dramatic groups.
After looking into scheduling matinees for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the group decided to add a Wednesday night performance.
Though they still will play three nights, Scavo said moving up the performance dates will reduce the group's available rehearsal time, and they expect a smaller audience for the Wednesday show.
The group still hopes for a successful production despite the adversity they have encountered. "We want to channel all the energy we could put into being angry and really get out and advertise the Wednesday show," Griffin said.
"After all, he's $50, and we're free," Griffin added.
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" focuses on two minor characters from Shakespeare's play Hamlet and draws elements from that play, the existentialism of Samuel Beckett and the absurdism of Luigi Pirandello.
Shakespeare on the Lawn is not the only University group experiencing conflicts with the DMB concerts. Spring Fling, an annual event designed for prospective minority students, will be held the same weekend.
Also, the concert may steal audiences from the Virginia Dance Company's Sunday performance.
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