Shakespeare’s Globe Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Delivers a Darkly Compelling Reimagining
London – A new production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is drawing critical attention for its unsettling and visceral interpretation of the classic comedy. Director Ilona Roughan shifts the play’s focus to Oberon‘s vengeful pursuit of Pria Kalsi, the changeling in Titania’s care, exposing the play’s often-overlooked “brutal undercurrents.”
Roughan’s staging reimagines the familiar tale as a winter’s story, departing from the conventional summery setting, and utilizing a stark white set design accented by flickering candles. The production emphasizes the aggressive dynamics between the lovers – Demetrius (Lou Jackson) and Helena (Tara Tijani) – contrasting them with the gentler connection between Lysander (David Olaniregun) and Hermia (Tiwa Lade). Sergo Vares delivers a performance as Puck described as a “malevolent clown.”
The fairy world is presented through black-tulled ballerinas performing melancholic renditions of pop songs, while the mechanicals are portrayed as resturant staff, with Danny Kirrane as Bottom commanding attention.Titania (Hedydd Dylan) is depicted as passionately drawn to Bottom, who is given cloven boots rather than pointed ears.
The production culminates in a “strikingly sinister and surprisingly bloody” reinterpretation of the finale, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Puck’s final epilogue, delivered with seeming innocence while concealing a “wet smear of blood,” offers a chilling new viewpoint on the play’s conclusion.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse until January 31.
