“Remixing Shakespeare” concert preview

Photo by UMD Theatre Department

To celebrate the First Folio on its visit to Duluth, the world-renowned indie group “Low” will perform live at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The local-based band will be performing an original soundtrack for the two earliest silent films based on Shakespeare’s plays, “The Tempest” (1908) and “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” (1909).

Multimedia projections for the concert, which include a light show, will be conducted by local artist Kathy McTavish and UMD assistant professor Joellyn Rock.

Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu, an associate professor at UMD who initially conceived of the event, said that the inspiration for the concert came from Low’s previous soundtrack work on the 2002 film “The Mothman Prophecies”.

“We have the earliest film adaptations of Shakespeare in the public domain, so I thought it would be cool to have Low provide a soundtrack for them,” Twu said.

Dr. Twu also said that the concert will serve as a celebration of both Shakespeare and Duluth, describing Low as a “premier cultural act.”

“Obviously, everywhere that hosts the First Folio is going to perform plays, but what makes us special?” she asked. “In Duluth, it’s our indie music scene.”

Hosted by KUMD, the event will also include performances from both the UMD Trumpet Ensemble and renaissance guitarist, UMD instructor Jakob Jonker.

The concert will be a blend of artistic forms and ages, offering a look back at how we celebrated Shakespeare over 100 years ago while putting its own spin on that proud tradition.

Twu believes it will be an experience that all audiences can enjoy.

“Shakespeare really is for everyone. If you’re not a fan of drama, then there’s music, film and so many different ways to appreciate his work.”

Tickets for “Remixing Shakespeare” are still available online at the UMD School of Fine Arts’ webpage.