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to London for Shakespeare comedy
400th anniversary of “Twelfth Night” to be shown at original hall
RELEASED: November 29, 2001
DANVILLE, KY—In January, 20 Centre students will travel to England for a three-and-a-half week trip to visit more than a dozen towns and experience British theatre.
The highlight of the journey will be a trip to Middle Temple Hall Jan. 30 for the 400th anniversary production of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Centre students will see the play performed on the same stage where it was presented in 1601-02.
"The students are desperately excited," said Anthony Haigh, professor of dramatic arts at Centre who will be leading the group. "Middle Temple Hall is the only space still standing where Shakespeare actually performed."
Middle Temple Hall was constructed in 1573-74. It had many functions, but eventually became home to London law offices, the "Inns of Court." Shakespeare staged "Twelfth Night" there 400 years ago for law students.
But "Twelfth Night" won't be the only theatre production that the students experience. They will also travel to Manchester, Stratford-on-Avon and other areas to see performances.
"Part of the purpose of the trip is to introduce the students to the range of theatre in England," Haigh said. "From modern plays to ancient plays."
Haigh was able to land the tickets for the group because of his connection to the new Globe Company and was surprised how quickly he received notice that he had secured them.
The students travel to England as part of Centre's short-term study abroad program. Centre also offers three-to-four month programs in England, France, Japan and Latin America, as well as a host of shorter programs throughout the world.
A report released in November from the Institute of International Education recognized Centre as one of the top 11 schools in the percentage of students studying abroad at some point in their college careers. And according to a recent survey, 86 percent of the Centre students interviewed said they plan to take part in international study in spite of the terrorist attacks on America and the conflict overseas.
Centre has the highest percentage of students studying abroad of any Kentucky institution.
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