“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” feels like an apt way to describe those who dare to miss out watching “A Midsummer Night's Dream” at this year’s Maynardville Open-Air Festival.
South Africa has a treasure trove’s worth of talented actors, and it is so easy to forget that fact because we usually see them as archetypes or performing dialogue that only requires them to use a handful of skills instead of their whole arsenal.
Usually, it is our theatre scene, which is finally getting back to pre-pandemic levels, where we can really witness these actors stretch themselves and give stellar performances.
This is not meant to disrespect the lucrative TV industry in our country but rather highlight how much talent South Africans miss when not frequently attending theatre shows.
Every year, Maynardville offers Capetonians and its visitors the chance to witness just how skilled our performers are with its annual Shakespeare production.
“A Midsummer Night's Dream” runs from 2nd – 23rd February, and after witnessing the show first-hand, I was left not only feeling rejuvenated by the theatre going experience, but also impressed by the sheer talent witnessed by the company of actors.
The 2023 Shakespeare production of “A Midsummer Night's Dream” is directed by Geoffrey Hyland and comes after his tremendous successes with “Richard the Third” (2019) and “Twelfth Night” (2017). It promises to be a new spin on this fantastical classic.
The production is part of the 73rd Maynardville Open Air Theatre Festival and Maynardville Magic Under the Moonlight Evening Market, which is perfect for musicians, foodies, nature enthusiasts and market lovers.
For those who may have forgotten the storyline of the play, it tells the magical tales of a bunch of feuding faeries who wreak havoc on four impassioned lovers and a troupe of wannabe actors in an enchanted forest.
The natural and supernatural merge as misguided desires mixes with magic spells. In a whimsical whirlwind of bewilderment and misadventure, they all discover that “The course of true love never did run smooth.”
The production is a delight and worth every moment spent sitting outside at the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, where it is necessary for attendees to bring a blanket to keep warm.
However, besides the blankets keeping you warm, the endless laughs elicited from the audience at the hands of the actors will also keep you warm.
The production is certainly one that Shakespeare novices and haters can enjoy.
The mind does take a few moments to register the use of iambic pentameter and prose that comes with most things Shakespeare, but the actors and their portrayals swiftly help you understand what is happening.
You’re quickly sucked in, easily following the story without much misunderstanding and just enjoying the whimsical tale.
Worth noting is that the production does deliver a twist on the portrayals of Oberon and Titania, which was a delightful surprise. Not only do the actors relish the experience, but the audience does as well.
I could praise certain actors for their performances, but that feels like it would be a disservice to the entire cast. The entire ensemble is funny and charming and have their moments to shine.
There are a number of dubious moments when their performances could easily go off track because performing Shakespeare is a skill which not every current-day actor has, but this cast is immensely talented, and has the audience eating out of their hands.
The family-friendly show certainly entertains, and the school-going audience in attendance was more than captivated by the show, and thankfully, they did not descend into constant fits of giggles, which can get frustrating for some at a live theatre show.
If you were looking for something fun to do during the week, then “A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a must, and alternatively, if you were thinking of maybe missing this year’s Maynardville show, don’t.
The show is fun, deeply humorous, and with stellar performances, it is a wonderful way to spend an evening. It is also a firm reminder that, true to life, “the course of true love never did run smooth”.
* Cast includes: Aidan Scott, Bobby Stuurman, Chi Mhende, Dean Goldblum, Jock Kleynhans, Lisa Tredoux, Mark Elderkin, Nomfundo Selepe, Roberto Kyle, Roland du Preez, Sophie Joans, Tailyn Ramsamy and Tankiso Mamabolo.
Tickets available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/193259-maynardville-open-air-festival-2023/#/
** The Magic Under the Moonlight Night Market will also include the Cape Town City Ballet from 1–5 March.
