When watching a Shakespeare play, the first thing on people’s minds are usually the actors, music, lines, and actions.
However, if there is one element that is the most important it is the accuracy of the adaptation to the original. That is where Professor Michael Petersen comes in.
Petersen served as a Dramaturg, a scholarly advisor overlooking the accuracy of a literary adaptation, for two Shakespeare plays: Othello and Richard III. Petersen’s reason for choosing to assist in the creation and accuracy of these plays came out of his love for Shakespeare’s works and the opportunity to express his fascination with the playwright.
“I knew since I was little that I wanted to be a teacher, and I always loved reading. I got into Shakespeare when I was teaching AP and honors classes in high schools, so I recognized this as a unique opportunity,” said Petersen.
Petersen’s efforts into the play were shown off by the actors, who garnered positive reviews among critics. From the Chicago Tribune to the Sun-Times, the play has received praise from reviewers and bloggers alike. The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones praises the performance of Michael Patrick Thornton as Richard III. Hedy Weiss, of the Chicago Sun-Times, praises not only the cast, but the behind-the-scenes personnel for the spectacle. While Time Out’s Kris Vire calls Thornton’s use of a wheelchair, walker, and exoskeleton as “undeniably cool.”
These raves show the impact that Petersen’s guiding hand as the Dramaturg had on the outcome of the play and how it affected the final product. “The opportunity to follow your dreams and chase your passion is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am very fortunate to be able to do that,” said Petersen.
Whatever your passion, following it and recognizing opportunities to express it are key to making your dreams a reality. Professor Petersen has done so with his involvement in not just one, but two Shakespeare-based productions.