FIU Theatre will open its 2025–26 season with a production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, running from September 26 to October 5 at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center.
The play centers on the sharp-witted exchanges between Beatrice and Benedick, two characters who use humor as both shield and weapon. Their banter contrasts with another couple in the story, Hero and Claudio, whose relationship is tested by rumors and deception. The show explores how personal relationships can affect the broader community.
“It’s a play about a few young people in love,” said director Michael Yawney. “But it’s also a play about community, how their love rips the community apart but also brings it back together.”
Bella Burgos, a BFA Musical Theatre senior portraying Beatrice, described her character as “daring and not afraid to put herself out there, but also lonely and thriving off of other people’s perceptions of her.” Burgos emphasized that Beatrice’s willingness to risk vulnerability is central to her role.
The set design for this production was created by Andy Velazquez, a senior BFA Design student. Velazquez explained that his approach uses optical illusions to reflect themes of trickery and vulnerability present in the play. “I was very interested in exploring how the characters are driven by tricking each other,” Velazquez said. “It starts with two people and it begins to infect everyone else.”
The collaborative nature of theatre is an important aspect for those involved in this production. Brian Schriner, Dean of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts, highlighted this point: “This production highlights the creativity, discipline, and passion of our students. It demonstrates the power of theatre to connect timeless stories with today’s audiences.”
Director Yawney promised that audiences can expect more than just traditional Shakespearean drama: “There will be music, comedy, slapstick and deep tragedy.”
Much Ado About Nothing marks the start of FIU Theatre’s new season at The Wertheim.
