Admit it, the thought of seeing a Shakespeare play makes you cringe: they are always long, the costumes are from another world, and can anyone understand what they’re saying? On October 11, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies will be hitting the stage at the Silver Center for the Arts. Rightfully so, the cast and crew are looking to change Shakespeare’s reputation on campus with their rendition.
“It’s a fun, upbeat show,” said Nick Riendeau, who plays a member of The Mechanicals, an acting troupe who performs a play within A Midsummer Nights Dream. The cast and crew encourage students not to regard this performance as “just another uptight Shakespearean play.” Riendeau continued, “It’s not a tragedy, it’s a comedy. No one dies, and it’s got a little bit of everything.”
With the addition of guest director Caroline Nesbitt, this interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is definitely original. Erik Barry, a junior and also a member of The Mechanicals explained that, “Most of our direction has been to take it from a less traditional standpoint.” The cast emphasizes the use of slapstick comedy, and in particular the heightened amount of physical action used in this interpretation.
Although the cast of characters used in this version is the same, they are still very unique compared to other Shakespearean renditions. “We’re not the traditional fairy that you see in a cartoon or in a Disney movie,” explained Allie Duhamel, a senior and member of the cast.
One of the main aspects of change to this interpretation is the use of sex. “There’s definitely a lot of sex.” said Julianne Whitney, a senior who playing the part of Titania, the Queen of the Fairies, “We’re looking to amp up the sex, which is the directors interpretation. Our costumes are supposed to look like an accident. It’s not meant to cover us up completely.”
The theme of lust and sex are some of the most prevalent throughout the whole play. The experiences of each character revolves around these themes, emphasized by the style of acting that will be used by the cast.
With the fresh and exciting updates to this interpretation to A Midsummer Nights Dream, there aren’t many reasons why students shouldn’t make their way to Silver on October 11. “It’s fun, it’s electric and colorful. It’s funny and it’s an easy show to enjoy and to understand,” Whitney continued, “If people are afraid of Shakespeare, they should come see this and they won’t be [afraid] anymore.”