A Midsummer Night's Dream kicks off Bard on the Beach's comeback, to September 24

Fairies, talking trees, and creepy goblins all show up in the production directed by Scott Bellis

Sarah Roa as Puck. Photo-image by Emily Cooper

Bard on the Beach presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park to September 24; Opening night is June 16

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is an all-time audience favourite at Bard on the Beach, and the story of lovers and fairies in a forest kicks off this year’s festival, its comeback following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helmed by veteran Bard director and actor Scott Bellis (who directed Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece in 2014 and The Two Gentlemen of Verona in 2017), the play written in the mid-1590s launched the company back in 1990 and was performed during its 10th and 25th anniversary seasons.

Bellis is using the 1920s as a general palette for the piece, “with additions”. “I was drawn to this era as a reference for its historical similarities to our own current climate: military unrest, civil strife, a global pandemic – a world in trouble; one that reflects our time,” Bellis says in his director’s notes. “It’s a struggling and unsettled place in deep need of renewal, one in which a journey into the dark woods may provide some answers, and a pathway toward a brighter future together.”

Bard on the Beach is collaborating with SFU School for the Contemporary Arts for the 2022 production, with several fairies being played by senior dance students.

“We will also have talking trees, creepy goblins, a few rewrites, and other surprises to bring to this story – one of young people in search of hearts’ desire; of political figures seeking a path forward; of supernatural powers out of balance, and perhaps, most importantly, a group of actors trying to stage a play under trying circumstances,” Bellis says.

Bard artistic director Christopher Gaze says in a release that A Midsummer Night’s Dream—which is the 2022 fest’s only production on the BMO Mainstage, running all season—captures exactly what the organization wants to share with audiences after a long two years away. “It’s a true celebration of hope and joy that will lift the spirits of everyone who sees it,” Gaze says.

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