An early summer’s evening in the yard, and the dragonflies – actually, members of the Dragonfly Theater – were getting ready to rehearse for their latest production, “Lady Windemere’s Fan.”

Led by director Olin Meyers of Norwood, each cast member began by describing their character, and how they blend into the off-center world of Oscar Wilde.

“It’s very much a coming-of-age story” for the character of Lady Windemere, said Karen Hunt.

Bob Maibor, a 10-year Dragonfly veteran, will play Lord Augustus. 

“My character’s interesting,” Maibor said. “He’s sort of pompous, and he ends up confused and bedazzled by Mrs. Erlynne (another main character in the play).”

As cast members began stepping into the roles of upper-crust scions in Victorian London, Meyers began stepping into the role of first-time theater director.

“I was a film student way back in the day – early 2000s, in the hope of being a TV or movie writer,” Meyers said. 

Over the years, he found himself doing several jobs, from being a production assistant, to bartending, to making comedy sketches for YouTube (check his channel at https://www.youtube.com/@olinmeyers3657).

Meyers entered the Dragonfly fold through Joe Rich, a member of the board who has appeared in several of Meyers’ comedy sketches. After appearances in the Dragonfly productions of “Merry Wives of Windsor” and “A Woman of No Importance,” Meyers went for a part in “Lady Windemere’s Fan.”

Instead of the role, Meyers was offered the director’s spot. 

“I had no prior experience as a theater director,” Meyers said. 

Nevertheless, he accepted, and began his new role by holding Zoom meetings with cast members in June. In-person rehearsals took place over most of July into August.

According to Beca Gates, the producer, the group got its name because dragonflies would often flit around the actors during outdoor performances. She added that they’re not the only wildlife that strut across the stage. When they performed at the Fairbanks House in Dedham, bunnies would hop around during and between acts.

As for the choice of plays, Gates said she loves bringing classic literature to life.

“Beautiful literature transcends time,” Gates said.

“Lady Windemere’s Fan” will be performed Aug. 8, 9, 15, and 16, at Paul Park, off Cedar Street, in Dedham (down the street from the Endicott commuter rail station). Performances on Saturday will be at 2 p.m., and Sunday performances at 4. Times are subject to change.

Performances will be free, and families are welcome.

For updates and more information about Dragonfly Theater, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064778283941