Adaptations of Shakespeare’s work are not unusual at the Fringe and A Midsummer Night’s Dream is often a favourite. Sometimes these adaptations slay the Bard’s writings but occasionally, as is the case with the Munich Shakespeare Company, you are treated to something special and magical.
As the audience walks in, the fairies, in their beautiful costumes and striking makeup, are poised amongst the seating. A man in formal concert pianist garb takes his place at the grand piano and the magic begins.
Through a combination of song and spoken verse, the show effectively tells Shakespeare’s tale in 75 minutes and has many spellbinding moments. Oberon and Titania’s argument, Titania’s Lullaby and Demetrius and Lysander being lost in the woods are examples of the show’s music, choreography and lighting design at its best. The fairies are ethereal but darkly mischievous and Puck (Johannes Ponader), played unusually by an older actor, is comic and malevolent. The rude mechanicals, especially Bottom (Patricia Verlet), are boisterous and funny; they perform their play at Theseus’ court in German, so an understanding of that language adds to the experience.
Amongst this exceptional cast, one really has to give extra credit to Doris Langara (Hermia), Jan Hutter (Demetrius) and Jonny Kreuter (Lysander), as their performances rise above the already high standards of this production.
MSC’s adaptation of this classic play makes for a very enjoyable, enchanting afternoon and will be enjoyed as much by purists and it is by Shakespearean novices.
4/5
Morag Patterson
