A
Midsummer Night's Dream - Reviewed by Nigel Munro-Wallis.
ABC Brisbane
Midsummer Night's Dream is undoubtedly the most popular
and performed play of the 2008 season. Harvest Rain are
due to unveil their take on the Shakespeare classic in
a few weeks and there is a children's version opening
shortly in Toowoomba. Queensland Ballet staged a lovely
version earlier in the year and now the Arts Theatre have
opened their own production at their premises on Petrie
Terrace.
I
have to confess something of a weakness for this particular
piece and am delighted to see any version of it anywhere.
As a play it contains some beautiful language and has
within it the potential for some truly magical staging
that is sure to enthrall and enchant theatre goers of
all ages.
John
Zuill, as Director of this particular production for
the Arts Theatre has chosen to set the play within a
period loosely corresponding with the 1940's - 1950's,
giving rise to some interesting opportunities for costuming
and design work, some of which work well and some of
which need some more thought. However the overall concept
is good and works well.
The
production itself is somewhat uneven, with the majority
(which, of course, takes place in a woodland setting,
as we know) being quite enchanting, but with the beginning
and end scenes in the Dukes palace being far too static,
lacking in colour and with the actors seeming to lack
any real enthusiasm of commitment to their roles.
However,
as I indicated, the woodlands scenes all but make up
for this difficulty so that once we move beyond the
rather dull opening and get on with the magic of the
piece we are treated to a rollicking good time with
some quite outstanding performances.
Daniel
Grey, as Puck, is a standout and brings a great sense
of energy and excitement to this very important role.
David Summers, as Oberon, and Izabela Wasilewska as
Titania likewise deliver fine performances. Others to
stand out include the mechanicals (all of them) and
in particular Peter Crees as Bottom.
Much
thought has clearly gone into the bulk of the play and
the design and staging of the woodlands scenes are really
quite outstanding. It is something of a pity that the
pace and the feel of the play is somewhat marred by
the difficult opening and closing scenes which, clearly,
need more work to enable the actors to feel more at
home within their roles.
As
I said earlier, there are any number of productions
of A Midsummer Night's Dream to catch this year but
this one has much to recommend it. If you can get through
the first few minutes you are in for a treat and will
find you are well rewarded for your patience.
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