For the final show of its current season, the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre (IRT) is finishing with a classic. William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be on the OneAmerica Stage April 10 – May 12.
In the play, spells are cast, lovers are tricked and fun flourishes as worlds collide in this imaginative comedy. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” blurs the line between magic and reality, leading to a night so splendid you’d have to dream it to believe it.
Love charms and magical encounters all run amok in Shakespeare’s classic comedy set in an Athenian forest inhabited by sprites, fairies and a group of romantic couples who change partners at the drop of a spell.
The IRT believes this spirited tale of young lovers in the woods for a night of mischief is sure to please anyone who remembers the magic of true romance.
“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is always a joy for us to do,” said Janet Allen, the IRT’s artistic director in a recent statement. “It has everything in it – fantasy, romance, magic, conflict and more. It’s a thrill to bring it back to our stage as a full-length production.”
The production will hold true to its Shakespearean roots; however, Peter Amster, director of IRT’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” said he has added helpful elements to it.
“I’ve seen so many productions of this. They’ve Freudianized it, industrialized it, modernized it, hip-hopped it – all kinds of ways,” said Amster. “For this particular play, it’s not about putting a concept on top of it, but about finding a way in which telling this story makes sense to us.”
To accomplish this, Amster interprets a midsummer night’s dream to be that of a little boy.
“It’s kind of like ‘Alice in Wonderland’ or the ‘Wizard of Oz,’” explains Amster.
Although the play uses Shakespearean language, Amster said audiences will be able to understand what is taking place, and be able to fully enjoy the play.
“This show celebrates theater and the imagination,” added Amster. “All the transformations that happen on stage makes you use your imagination.”
He also believes this is a wonderful production to end the season because “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is just such a great story. Amster said the character Puck says it best, “What fools these mortals be” – nothing makes people more foolish than love and the complications of love. This theme is so universal, people of all ages will be able to relate and enjoy the play – even kids. The play is seen through a young person’s eyes so they too will be able to make sense of the wonder, magic, humor and make believe this play brings.
The IRT is located at 140 W. Washington St. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be presented on the OneAmerica stage. Tickets are $25-$55 and prices vary based on day, time and seat selection.
For more information and tickets, call (317) 635-5252 or visit irtlive.com.
