Amidst the laughter and romance of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival boldly confronts the issue of gender roles. In her recent production, Kholoud Sawaf reminds us that true harmony and peace can only blossom in a society where gender equality exists.

Mercy University proudly commemorates its Annual Christie Day, a significant event presented by the esteemed School of Liberal Arts and the Department of Literature and Language.

Christie Day celebrates esteemed English professor, Shakespearean lover, and one of Mercy University’s founders, Dr. Joannes Christie R.S.M.

Sr. Mary Joannes, R.S.M., one of the sisters of Mercy, served for an extended period as chair of the English department. After her passing, Mercy University celebrated Christie Day in her honor, commemorating her service to the school and her love for plays.

This year’s highly anticipated Shakespearean play, Much Ado About Nothing, was a unique and delightful comedy that opened Mercy’s doors on April 10th. It is not just any comedy but one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned and beloved works, promising a memorable experience for all.

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, a professional non-profit theater company based in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, brought the play to Mercy. The company aims to bring Shakespeare’s works and other classic plays to the local community.

“ I am beyond excited to bring this amazing comedy, Much Ado about Nothing, into New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut schools and invite the students to meet this great piece,” said Sawaf, the director of the play.

Sawaf devoted considerable effort to ensuring the play offered an exceptional experience for its audience, assembling a talented production team. This team included Lauren Capp as Production Stage Manager, Scotty Arnold as Music Director, Buffy Cardoza as Set and Props Designer, Maia Solties as Costume Designer, and Allison Jones as Intimacy/Movement Coordinator.

It takes a village, but production is crucial for several reasons, such as setting the atmosphere, supporting the narrative, characterization, logistics, and stagecraft. It’s vital for the audience’s experience.

Sawaf brought an outstanding cast, including Siena Daddario as Hero, Kevin Thrower as Leonato, Lennon Xin Wen Hu as Claudio Borachio, Andrew Hamilton as Don Pedro and Don John, Alexander Gellner as Beatrice, and Adam Rodriguez as Benedick.

These exceptional young actors ensured Mercy University had exceptional cultural enrichment and waves of laughter as the play developed.

This play is set in the Italian city of Messina and revolves around the main characters’ disputes and romantic exploits. The play’s main plot is the romantic relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, who pretend they don’t like each other and express hatred. The subplot involves the courtship between Claudio and Hero.

The play, with its exploration of timeless themes such as love, deception, and the complexities of relationships, resonates deeply with our modern society. It does so with Shakespeare’s signature blend of humor and drama, making it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the human condition.

The intricacies of gender roles are portrayed within Elizabethan society through its portrayal of characters like Beatrice, Hero, Benedick, and Claudio.

Beatrice emerges as a remarkably outspoken woman, challenging the confines of traditional gender roles. Meanwhile, Hero embodies the epitome of the “ideal woman” of her time, or as it was thought initially. Benedick and Beatrice, having hatred initially, eventually recognize their deep affection for one another. Conversely, Claudio’s swift judgment and condemnation of Hero highlight the societal pressure on women to maintain purity and the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms.

The play delved into significant themes, offering rich material for discussion long after the curtains closed. Gellner and Rodriguez, portraying the play’s main characters, exhibited an undeniable chemistry that infused every moment on stage with authenticity and depth. The palpable connection between the actors is essential for the success of any production, and these two performers truly excelled in bringing their roles to life, elevating the play to be exceptional.

The whole crew had phenomenal skills with their Shakespearean language, leaving much to discuss.

“I have been doing Shakespearean plays for a long time now, so I got used to it over time, but in the beginning, it was challenging,” actress Gellner shares.

With much practice and guidance, these young actors have mastered the language. Even actor Trower, a novice in playing Shakespeare, has learned how to master the language.

The Lecture Hall was filled on this year’s Christie’s Day, with attendees including students majoring in theater. This marked a significant achievement for the theater department and offered students an exclusive glimpse into their craft.

Amidst palpable excitement, students eagerly posed questions to the actors, seeking advice on proper play preparation and overcoming performance nerves. This learning opportunity extended beyond theater majors to encompass all members of the Mercy community.

“It takes months to prepare for this, and we’ve spent considerable time together. We have pre-show rituals and are attuned to each other’s moods. Some days are tougher than others,” Daddario, who plays Hero, candidly shares.

Following the performance, all the actors graciously answered questions, fostering a humble and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Christie’s Day holds a special place in Mercy’s community, serving as a moment to honor one of Mercy’s founding mothers and celebrate the eloquence of English literature.