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Be there for history! Join WIU for the historic first performance in the new Clow Theatre as the curtain rises on Twelfth Night!
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WIU's Twelfth Night to Open New Clow Theatre Oct. 8

September 30, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University's new Clow Theatre will open its doors to audiences Thursday, Oct. 8 with a production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by longtime WIU Theatre and Dance faculty member and professor emeritus Bill Kincaid.

The production will follow the dedication of the Clow Theatre at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. Twelfth Night will begin at 7:30 p.m., marking the first production to be performed in the new theatre.

For Kincaid, who spent much of his career at WIU, directing Twelfth Night in the new theatre represents a return to the University and to the Theatre and Dance program he helped shape.

Kincaid is a renowned expert in Shakespeare and has continued working as a freelance director and teacher since his retirement from WIU. His return provides WIU students with the opportunity to work alongside an experienced director on one of Shakespeare's best-known comedies.

Twelfth Night follows Viola, who is separated from her twin brother after a shipwreck and disguises herself as a man while navigating a complicated series of relationships. The production explores themes of mistaken identity, love, disguise and the unexpected ways people find their place in the world.

The production is also significant for the students involved, who will perform, design and produce the show in the new Clow Theatre.

"There is something beautifully full-circle about opening the Clow Theatre with TWELFTH NIGHT under the direction of Professor Emeritus Bill Kincaid. Bill devoted decades to educating generations of theatre artists at Western, and it is especially meaningful that he will direct the very first production in this space while we dedicate the theatre in honor of Billy Clow, who also spent his final years devoted to the arts at WIU. This evening celebrates not only a new theatre and a new era, but the enduring legacy of two individuals whose passion, generosity, and love of theatre helped shape our community. It is an event our students and audiences will remember for years to come," Tammy Killian, director, School of Visual & Performing Arts & Producer, SummerStage, said.

The Clow Theatre will be dedicated in honor of Dean William T. "Billy" Clow during a ceremony preceding the performance. Speakers will include Mick Cumbie, director of the Goldfarb Center; Ted Renner; Alvin Goldfarb; and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman.

Following the performance, attendees are invited to a reception celebrating the opening of the Clow Theatre.
Twelfth Night marks the beginning of a new chapter for Theatre and Dance at WIU, bringing together students, alumni, faculty and community members in a new performance space designed to support the university's performing arts programs.

For more information on WIU's GCPA, visit wiu.edu/GCPA. To purchase tickets, visit westernpresents.com/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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