The Play: A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Company: Bell Shakespeare
The Space: The Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre
Stars: 4.5 (the point five is for The Wall.)
Until 11 May
Tonight was one of those nights where I can truly say I love my life. Great company, a quick dinner at Movida Next Door, patatas bravas, a gin and tonic and some Shakespeare. It does not get better than this.
Add to this a day at work where we talked about the music of Icehouse, popping home quickly to feed the cat and dump my backpack - and then, a definitive win by the Crows, the day - how much better can a day get?
(If you could feed me patatas bravas regularly and I would marry you. Add Shakespeare to the mix and I am yours forever.)
My friend Millie, who was at a loose end, agreed to join me in this school night jaunt to the theatre. She said that she hadn't exposure to Shakespeare but was willing to give it a go. As an entry point to Shakespeare, this silly little play about fairies, Athenian lovers and a troupe of incompetent actors is perfect. Light, silly, fun and really, if you're a bit worried about the language, you shouldn't be.
What I love about Bell Shakespeare is they take what can be seen as banal and they bring it to life in an inventive way. They've been doing this for over a quarter of a century.
This troupe of eight players played multiple roles across the play as they fairly divided the Athenians from the Fairy Folk to the players. Peter Evans direction is near flawless as he brings a menace to Oberon (Richard Pyros), a sense of hopelessness and agro in Hermia (Ahunim Abebe) a languid air to Titania, who doubled as a very sensible Peter Quince (Imogen Sage), and one of the best Bottoms I've seen in a long time. (Matu Ngaropo). Please take that as read. Bottom is a character. Not a lifestyle preference.
I also enjoyed the androgynous Puck, played by non-binary actor, Ella Prince. In the last few theatre-based Midsummer Night's Dreams I've seen; Puck has often been portrayed by a gender-neutral/non-binary actor. The role lends itself to this, and Prince's otherworldly appearance and fluid physicality lend bring the role to life.
Set in what looks like a derelict attic, the actors came in and out, happily moving between characters with the change of a coat. The set is climbed over, used as a bower, tree branches and a climbing frame, which keeps the audience on their toes.
As always, the Bell Shakespeare as some of the best footwear found on the Australian stage.
And the most wonderful thing about this production? It has to be the play within a play, where the hapless players bring out the story of Pyramus and Thisbe to the Athenians. I heard somebody behind me say that in 400 years, nothing funnier has been written. They've done this so well. That good that dear Bottom, once dead as Pyramus, was quietly choking on his own laughter. Yes, it's silly. But that's why you go to see this. And of course, there is the Wall. The Wall is perfect.
If you know, you know.
This cast is taking this to Canberra and Darwin after they finish up here in Melbourne.
Bell Shakespeare has done what they do best. Bring thought-provoking, fun, interesting Shakespeare to the masses.
For me, it was a part of a very enjoyable night out.
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