Theatre review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream an enjoyable and accessible night of Shakespeare in the Park

Ghafir Akbar (foreground, left) and Julie Wee (foreground, right) double in their roles as King Oberon and Queen Titania of the faerie folk, as well as Theseus and Hippolyta of Athenia. PHOTO: CRISPIAN CHAN

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Singapore Repertory Theatre
Fort Canning Green
Friday, 7.30pm

Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) knocks it out of the park with a stunning set and one-of-a-kind experience in A Midsummer Night’s Dream for its first Shakespeare in the Park since 2018.

On a 15m-tall set towering over audiences, the setting of Athens is modernised to an oil company named Athenia, a 21st-century take on themes of eco-friendliness and environmentalism buried in the original play by William Shakespeare.

While the set is truly Instagrammable, with colourful lights, it is the full utilisation of space, height and depth that adds a layer of fun to the show.

Designed by Richard Kent, who previously created the sets for The Merchant Of Venice (2014) and Julius Caesar (2018) for Shakespeare in the Park, the different heights and structures to climb add dynamism to the movement and staging, giving depth to what would typically be a rather flat, one-dimensional setting.

It sets a perfect tone for the entrance of Theseus (Ghafir Akbar) and Hippolyta (Julie Wee) as they discuss the upcoming wedding of their daughter Hermia (Natalie Yeap) to Demetrius (Nicholas Chan). Clad in modern business suits and office wear, the blue and dark costuming feels current and offers strong contrast to the colourful garments of the faeries.

A standout moment occurs when Oberon (Akbar), king of the faeries, makes his first appearance. Clad in mixed fabrics and a skirt train made of fishing net and tulle, his entrance is akin to a fashion show entry, with techno music (by composer Mervin Wong) backing up his strut across the stage.

The near dance battle confrontation between Oberon and Titania (Wee) during their meeting in the woods is the essence of teen movie mean-girl showdowns.

Faerie costumes from repurposed flat plastic tubing and safety vests are a creative use of materials while adding a subtle commentary about eco-friendliness.

Oberon enters the forest in a cloud of smoke, backed by faeries performing a choreographed number. PHOTO: YATEE

The show plays up the humour, with timing and pauses cueing audiences to laughter for those less familiar with Shakespearean language. Highlighting Shakespeare’s penchant for witty quips are clever comedic decisions that pay off across age groups and senses of humour.

A genderbent Peta Quince (Isabella Chiam) and a reversal of roles as Titania casts a spell on Oberon to fall in love with the first creature he sees make for a more powerful story, allowing the women power and strength in the plot.

While the entire cast is thoroughly engaging in its performance, it is the trio of Oberon, Puck (Krish Natarajan) and Bottom (Daniel Jenkins) who stand out with their playfulness and utter commitment to character.

Puck (Krish Natarajan) stands out as one of the most enjoyable characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. PHOTO: CRISPIAN CHAN

Where Puck is flawlessly flamboyant in his prances around the stage, this version of Oberon brings attitude befitting a diva and Bottom balances all with ridiculous antics that bring raucous laughter without feeling over-the-top.

A consistent ability to surprise and deliver big laughs keeps the audience rapt with attention throughout the show.

The modern business-casual costumes bring the play into a contemporary setting while contrasting the colourful faerie outfits. PHOTO: RUEY LOON

Particularly charming are the added musical numbers with techno backing that get audiences excited with party-style chants and excellently timed lighting by Gabriel Chan. Quick changes and spotlight moments lend heightened dramatic moments and capture the otherworldliness of the forest setting.

Above all, what makes the show a true treat is seeing the actors’ joy while romping around the stage and engaging with the audience.

Book It/A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Where: Fort Canning Green, Fort Canning Park
When: Until May 28, 7.30pm; no shows on Mondays
Admission: $60 to $138
Info: www.srt.com.sg/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream

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