This Bard has a twang

Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival opens with a revival of director Lane Davies’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s romp “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” set in the Deep South on a plantation in the 1930s, where young lovers rebel against their parents, country bumpkins plan a play and Confederate-era ghosts make mischief. Preshow entertainment features musicians, dancing, juggling and sword-fighting demonstrations. After “Midsummer Night’s Dream” closes, the festival’s second installment, “Othello,” begins its run July 21.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Opens 8 p.m. Friday. Runs 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and July 7-9, 14-16. Grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and preshow entertainment. Alcohol is prohibited on campus. Bring blankets or low-profile chairs for seating. $10; free for ages 18 and younger. Lawn box seating, $50 to $65. (805) 493-3455. www.kingsmenshakespeare.org