It felt as if time shifted back to the 16^th and 19^th centuries at JFK Auditorium on Oct. 28 and 29 in a pair of evening performances by the visiting American Shakespeare Center.

Julius Caesar and The Importance of Being Earnest were performed by the Virginia-based theater company, providing attendees with two relaxing evenings of classic plays.

The ASC strives to provide audience members with an authentic Shakespearean “vibe.” During its shows, all of the lights are turned up in the auditorium and select members of the audience are invited to join the cast on stage to view the show from that vantage point.

The two shows contrasted greatly. Julius Caesar is a tragedy where the majority of the characters die by the end of the performance. The Importance of Being Earnest is a lighthearted comedy.

”I feel that they executed the play well,” said communications major Shelby Bowen. “I think it gave an accurate representation of Shakespeare’s time.”

Bowen said she appreciated the on-stage audience presence and the full-room lighting.

“The Importance of Being Earnest was a really clever play,” said political science and pre-law major Hannah Orlosky.

The American Shakespeare Center’s home is the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley playhouse opened in September 2001.