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The Lawrence Theatre is set to stage William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" from February 15-17 at the Cloak Theater in Lawrence University's Music-Drama Center. Directed by Timothy X. Troy, a professor of theatre and drama, this production incorporates elements inspired by Ireland, particularly County Wicklow, which Troy visited during his Fulbright Scholar experience.

"I had never thought of it as an Irish play until I was in a wonderful, beautiful, scenic area outside of Dublin called County Wicklow," said Troy. The decision to set the play in Ireland aims to evoke the lush scenery without altering the original English setting or using accents.

Troy emphasized how space and environment affect characters' decisions and emotions. In most productions of "As You Like It," the Forest of Arden seems distant, but by setting it in County Wicklow, Troy envisions characters who can still see their old lives.

Seniors Nihan Baysal and Maddie Guest used images from Powerscourt Estate to design the set. "It taught me a new way of thinking of the environment of the play," said Troy. "You didn’t remove the memory of where you left."

Junior Nina Broberg and senior Jon Winkler returned from studying at Dublin's Gaiety School of Acting with insights that helped shape their performances. Broberg noted how imagining growing up in such an environment influenced her portrayal of Phoebe, a strong-willed shepherdess living freely in the forest.

Winkler plays Orlando, a nobleman caught between societal norms and forest freedom. He highlighted how remnants of societal structures throughout Ireland informed his understanding of his character's life influences.

Broberg and Winkler's study abroad included attending the Irish Fringe Festival and rigorous training at Gaiety School. Their experiences culminated in a showcase performed just before returning home.

"It really helped me make a lot of discoveries with the way that I work best as an actor," Broberg reflected on her time abroad.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on February 15 and 16, with additional shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on February 17.