A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Old Vic Youth Theatre Production

Cast & Crew

Crew

Director

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Play description

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a classic and much loved text by William Shakespeare. Written around the late 1500s, like most Shakespearean texts, A Midsummer Night’s Dream stands the test of time; the narrative is almost timeless and it is still performed regularly to this day.

The story is about four Athenian “lovers” who are all in love with one another; Hermia and Lysander are in love but Hermia’s farther, Egeus, wants her to marry Demetrius who also loves her. Left behind is poor Helena, who has a deep and unrequited love for Demetrius. As Hermia and Lysander run away together to a nearby forest on the eve of a big Athenian wedding between Theseus and Hippolyta. Demetrius follows the object of his affection, as does Helena.

Chaos ensues as the escaped lovers are set upon by magical forces dwelling in the woods. As a result of a magic potion, the lovers fall for different women.

Also affected by the mischevious woodland spirits are “the Mechanicals”, labourers from Athens who are practicing a play for the royal Athenian wedding.

Hilarity, sexuality and desire are key themes in this whimsical text by Shakespeare.

Photo credits

Observations

  1. On 4th June 2020 at 7:00 a.m., katknitter noted:

    I was visiting from Canada as part of a school trip. Instead of taking my last year of English in high school, I, along with other Canadian students, stayed at Brunel University to study the history of English literature. We had the opportunity to see several theater productions. But one of my most cherished memories was of seeing the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I still remember where I sat, the beauty fo the theater and the most amazing production! The acting was so outstanding, I forgot that (in the head of a teenager) didn’t understand the words. Everything was clear and I even found myself laughing. But Puck, wow. Puck stands out in my mind the most. Moving with such ease and grade around the stage and such an exceptional performance. I feel blessed and privileged to have seen this production, and had subsequently share this experience with others. When the opportunity presents itself, I teacher my elementary students about Shakespeare and the theater. In fact, one of the first toys I bought for my son was a Shakespeare doll! Thank you so much, Old Vic!

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