Tag: William Shakespeare

ASP’s Rowdy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Flips the Bard’s Gem on its Breakdancing Head

Shelley SackettLeave a comment
Cast of Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”Photos: Nile Scott Studios

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Maurice Emmanuel Parent. Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project at Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown through May 4.

By Shelley A. Sackett

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of those plays that is firmly etched in most people’s long-term memory banks, whether as a first introduction to Shakespeare in high school or as one of scores of film and theatrical productions. There are countless riffs on the play, from the sci-fi A Midsummer Night’s Gene to recently produced The Donkey Dream. Even The Beatles got in on the act in their 1964 TV special, “Around the Beatles,” when they played the “Pyramus and Thisbe” section of the play to an audience of hecklers and moonstruck fans, especially appropriate for this comedy play within a play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvREt_w_KOE )

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Short Take: Everyone Wants Some in ASP’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Michele MarkarianLeave a comment
Cast of Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”Photos: Nile Scott Studios

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, by William Shakespeare. Directed by Maurice Emmanuel Parent. Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown through May 4.

Cast of Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”Photos: Nile Scott Studios

By Michele Markarian

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind”, insists Helena (Deb Martin), a maid musing on the unreasonable and unpredictable foibles of attraction. The minds in this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are busy at work, their bodies preening and pursuing the objects of their lusty desires, a kind of Beltane in the middle of summer. This vigorous production is set in a disco, with all the dangers and dreams that go with it. 

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Deadword Theatre Company’s ‘Julius Caesar’ Stabs Towards Boldness

Charlotte SnowLeave a comment
Cast of Deadword Theatre Company’s ‘Julius Caesar’

‘Julius Caesar’ – Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Charlie Lunardi. Stage Management by Zoe Moore; Scenic Design by Just Lahue; Lighting Design by Hope Debelius & Rachael Harned; Prop Design by Melinda Kalanzis; Costume Design by Gaby Obando Arévalo; Sound Design by Sam Noto. Produced by Deadword Theatre Company, ‘Julius Caesar’ runs from March 6th – March 16th at 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116. 

By Charlotte Snow

The time has come when Julius Caesar sadly becomes relevant again. This year, it’s more dangerously relevant than ever. Political violence, tyrannical rule, socioeconomic gaps, and more exist in both today’s headlines and Shakespeare’s 426-year-old play. Some theater companies shy away from this script during the post-election season for this very reason, others embrace it. I’m thankful that Deadword Theatre Company, a rising gem in the Boston theater scene, has so boldly staged one of the theatrical cannon’s most spitfire plays.  

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