A Midsummer Night's Dream coming to Malaspina theatre

Is love a force of nature? Or can it be controlled by humans?

This theme will be explored in William Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the upcoming fall production at Malaspina University-College Theatre in Nanaimo from November 4 to 13.

In this romantic comedy, two sets of young lovers are forbidden to wed the person of their dreams because of the strict laws of society.

"In true Shakespearian style, the young lovers run away into the forest where the laws of man do not apply," said Director Ross Desprez. "The lovers are at the mercy of the sprites and fairies who dwell in the magical world of nature. However, the forces of nature are not always kind or predictable, so much confusion ensues before the lovers, in true comic tradition, return home and are allowed to marry their true loves and live happily ever after."

Desprez has wanted to produce A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Malaspina for years because the play is "a beautiful, touching, funny classic.

"As an instructor I think it is important to challenge students and Shakespeare's plays are challenging, even for veteran actors," he said. "His plays also require a lot of actors, so we are able to give opportunities to as many students as possible. This year, I knew that I had the right group of talented students to perform it."

In this production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will become a "futuristic fairytale," said Desprez.

"Some of the dialogue – especially the monologues – may end up being rap," he said. "I want to make Shakespeare’s poetic verse more accessible and recognizable to a younger audience, and rap is today’s poetry for the younger generations."

Students in Malaspina’s two-year Theatre program participate in all aspects of the production: acting, costume construction, scene painting and backstage technical work. The students learn and work under the supervision of seasoned theatre professionals, including Desprez, set/lighting designer Mike Taugher, and costume designer Erin Macklem.

Evening shows of A Midsummer Night’s Dream take place at 8 p.m. on November 4, 5, 6, and November 12 and 13 in the Malaspina University-College Theatre, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo.

Four matinee performances run on November 8, 9, 10 and 12 at 12:30 p.m. (the November 8 show is sold out). Tickets are $8 for students and seniors; $12 for adults. Malaspina University-College Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

For reservations, call the Malaspina University-College Theatre box office at 740-6100.