Director Kim Morgan and assistant director-performer Shaun Swain are excited the show is going ahead, from tonight, despite the country’s move to the Red traffic light setting.
"We have to limit our performances to 100 patrons, check vaccine passes, and follow other Red setting requirements, but we are able to go ahead," Morgan said.
"It’s going to be magical having our audience and our amazing cast of 21 performers experiencing A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the beautiful woodland setting of the upper Botanic Garden," she said.
Recently returned to Dunedin from Auckland, Swain has stepped into the role of Lysander, one of the play’s four hapless lovers, alongside Rosie Collier (Helena), Miriam Noonan (Hermia), and Alfie Richardson (Dimitrius).
"After the lockdowns in Auckland, I’m relieved to be home in Dunedin and working on something that I love," Swain said.
The play’s other leading roles are performed by Matt Wilson (Oberon), Barbara Power (Titania), Jessica Latton (Puck), Phil Greave (Quince) and Nick Tipa (Bottom).
The production team includes stage manager Bronwyn Wallace, costumer designer Sofie Welvaert, and technical director Matthew Morgan.
The local cast included both professional and amateur actors, ranging in age from high school to "somewhat older than me," Kim Morgan said.
This was in keeping with the kaupapa of Dunedin Summer Shakespeare, since it was founded several years ago by Jessica Latton, Lara Macgregor and Kim Morgan.
"Our aim is to support our professional actors, while also helping to train our up-and-coming performers," Morgan said.
"Working with this cast has been a joy — we are blessed with a huge amount of talent in this town."
Making Shakespeare accessible to all, in an outdoor setting, was also an important aspect of the Dunedin Summer Shakespeare kaupapa, and the team was excited to be performing in the upper Botanic Garden this time.
"I really like the idea that we can choose the best location for each offering, and the upper garden is perfect for A Midsummer Night’s Dream."
The setting made it ideal to present the play "in the round", and actors would be coming and going from all sides, adding to the magic of the performance.
Having made a career out of cutting and adapting Shakespeare, Morgan has carefully trimmed A Midsummer Night’s Dream from about two hours to 90 minutes.
"Shakespeare was a master of recapitulation, so I think that gives us some licence to trim some passages, while still keeping faith with the beauty and integrity of the poetry," she said.
Rhyme was a particular feature of the play, and the cast was enjoying the challenge of working with it, while still keeping the action going, Swain said.
"Everyone is working a lot with their bodies, to help convey the meaning and emphasise the comedy," he said.
Morgan hoped the show would bring some much-needed joy to the public of Dunedin in tough times.
"It has been exciting to see the actors growing into their roles during the rehearsal process, and it will be wonderful to share the joy of it with an audience," she said.
The Dunedin Summer Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be staged from February 3 to 6, and 10 to 13 in the upper Dunedin Botanic Garden (opposite the Propagation House).
Performances will be at 6pm on Thursday and Friday, and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, bookings are essential, and can be made at https://www.trybooking.co.nz/JKH. Entry is free, koha welcome.
Vaccine passes required, please wear a mask and keep 1m from other groups.
The production is sponsored by the Dunedin City Council Professional Theatre Fund, Otago Community Trust, and the Friends of Dunedin Summer Shakespeare.
