This energetic 85 minute adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was framed uniquely; rather than positioning it as an interpretation of the play, it positioned it as children in a 19th century playroom inventing a story. Through this positioning, the magic of the fairies, as well as the relationship between Fairy land and the Athenians was playful and filled with joy. This positioning also created a space to critique some of the logic challenges in the play, and excuse the silliness of the plot — odd choices were explained through the children inventing the next plot twist.
What was really enjoyable was seeing the audience of over half children (of an array of ages) engaged with the story and text nonstop throughout the 85 minutes. The combination of slapstick performances, audience participation, and magical design created a spell that kept the children excited and attentive.
The premise of the show was innovative, and the design and overall production fed and grew into the innovation exceptionally well. It is really exciting to see work that doesn’t speak down to the young audience, and simultaneously challenges the form and well-loved content.