By Stephen J Pedroza

The Xavier Stage (TXS), a resident repertory theater company of Xavier University performed a two-day run of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Lourdes College Auditorium for the benefit of the Archbishop James T Hayes Foundation.

A total of 4 shows were showcased from August 22-23 where the audience marveled in the “uber-twisted story,” comic scenes, love story and play of lights during the performances.

TXS artistic director Hobart Savior expressed his gratitude to those who went to see the classic Shakespearean play.

“This production is different for it helps establish the Archbishop James T Hayes Foundation of Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital (MRXUH). It is beyond literature and stagecraft; it is a societal agendum which involves and engages audience in a discourse which actualizes theatre form and function,” Savior said.

Shakespearean substance fused with Maranao culture

The company embarked on giving a twist to the classic play by adapting it in the Philippine context of cultural understanding—where A Midsummer Night’s Dream was transformed into a Pre-Islamic Maranao setting.

TXS’ performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has already garnered positive reviews from the audience since it was first staged in 2013 for its timeless Shakespearean substance fused with the ancient Maranao culture and folklore.

Its meticulous, beautifully-mastered semiological dramaturgy was also a note-worthy upshot to the performance and a certified hit to the audience.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was performed using the Cebuano language instead of the original Old English version.

“When we saw our audience’s reception, we are humbled. We, therefore, realize that there is hope in ensuring inspiration and positive influence to our youth and the audience in general,” the TXS artistic director said.

“We are thankful to XU and MRXUH and to God for this creative yet social endeavor.”

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ DD graced their performance with his presence during the gala show on Aug 22.

The legacy of Archbishop Hayes

The late Archbishop James T Hayes SJ DD was the first bishop and archbishop of Cagayan de Oro.

He was man behind the establishment of Lourdes College in 1928, XU - Ateneo de Cagayan in 1933 and the MRXUH.

On the other hand, this is not the first time for TXS to mount a performance for a cause.

The theater company had an encore run during last year’s Xavier Festival Day where part of the proceeds went to Tabang Visayas, XU’s relief operation for the Yolanda-ravaged communities.