Why should people see A Midsummer Night's Dream?

There is a reason A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. It has everything an audience would want in a play: charming characters; fantastical fairies, magic, young love - not to mention it is funny. It is also one of his most accessible plays. The story is fun, simple and makes sense to someone watching Shakespeare for the first time. But by far, the biggest reason is for the beautiful images Shakespeare has woven into the text.

Why did you want to take on this production?

I have spent the past 11 years teaching at places like Arts Umbrella, Bard on the Beach, The Shadbolt Centre, Bard in the Classroom, Learning Through the Arts, and of course, I have worked as a sound designer on numerous Douglas College productions. I have always enjoyed working with the students and watching them grow as performers and people. I also love Shakespeare - the language, the imagery, the themes, the characters ­- and I jumped at the chance to share that with the students."

A Midsummer Night's Dream is arguably one of Shakespeare's most popular works - how will you put your stamp on it?

Here is an excerpt from my director's notes. I think it will shed some light: "The character of the Changeling Child has always intrigued me. Often, he is not even represented on stage. I wanted to change that. The whole play is the Changeling Child's dream. I have dubbed him/her CC. CC lives in today's world, with all of today's obstacles and perils of growing up...In CC's dream world, all the characters are reminiscent of toys and she/he is being pulled back and forth between the world of the youthful fairies and the world of the adult mechanicals, all the while watching the lovers from afar.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is widely considered a romantic comedy - but is there a darker edge to it?

Oberon and Puck have a bit of a darker edge. They do things really for themselves without any thought to others. However, they have a beautiful almost romantic quality to them when you listen to the language and imagery in their text. I have also added the role of the Changeling Child who is dealing with all the perils in today's society. I wanted her/him to represent the tweeners who are not teens and not young children, looking back on their playground days, and looking ahead and dealing too quickly with relationships and sex.

What can the audience expect of this particular production?

Slapstick, physical comedy, youthful exuberance and wonderful images in the words.

Show times

See A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Douglas College Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, New Westminster Campus, 700 Royal Avenue, November 13-21. Shows on November 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30pm, November 16 at 12pm, November 18 at 1pm and November 21 at 2pm. Purchase tickets in advance through the Massey Ticket Centre online or by calling 604-521-5050. Tickets can be purchased (cash-only) at the door, subject to availability. For more information about the production, contact 604-527-5723.

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