6 July 2004

The Bell Shakespeare Company’s enchanting production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed for the Greater Shepparton community next week.

Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said `A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a terrific introduction to the world of Shakespeare.

“The great thing about this particular company is that they really do make Shakespeare accessible and easy to follow because they make strong connections with the familiar language of popular entertainment and everyday life, even though the play is such a fantasy.”

 “The play will appeal to a variety of ages,” he said “The actors can become the lovers or the rough workmen or forest fairies; anything that is needed to tell the story. It’s a beautiful play that is full of comedy and magic and will be enjoyed by everyone.”

Director Anna Volska brings the world of Shakespeare’s play to life with a youthful cast of nine actors, all of whom convincingly convey the energy and vibrancy of this story of love, lust and mistaken identity.

Two pairs of star-crossed lovers run away to the forest to escape their troubles and get caught up with Puck, a mischievous fairy. A group of amateur theatricals are rehearsing a play in the forest when one is transformed by magic into a donkey. “It’s all very fanciful, but in the hands of an experienced director the comedy just shines,” said Mr Robson.

Anna Volska has performed in many Shakespeare productions including Hamlet, MacBeth and Romeo and Juliet. She also appeared in TV series including Water Rats and A Country Practice, and has directed many productions. 

A Midsummer Nights Dream will be performed on Thursday 15th July at
8.00 pm at Eastbank. Bookings can be made through the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton or by phoning 5832 9511.