"Performing Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Düsseldorf's Theater"
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Gründgens Platz is transformed into a whimsical fairground, as Shakespeare's timeless play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream", premieres in an open-air production. The first spectators arrive, wrapped in winter coats, ready to experience the enchantment amidst the chill.
The play, directed by Ukrainian director Stas Zhyrkov, promises a "crazy wedding", but happiness isn't working for everyone at the moment. The characters Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena are entangled in complex romances that will be further complicated by magical influences in a nighttime forest meeting.
Alexander Wanat takes over the role of Zettel, the chief comedian, after Kilian Ponert's unfortunate injury during rehearsals. Wanat's character, with his cycling scene and medley about "What is love?", adds a unique touch to the production.
The setting is a delightful reimagining, with the ancient Athens becoming an "under renovation" booth next to a "Tunnel of Love" and a children's carousel. The enchanted forest is portrayed as a glittering booth called "The Enchanted Forest". Even the Athenian craftsmen performing at the wedding are hyperactive, masked clowns.
Jonas Friedrich Leonhardi, who plays the faulty elf king Oberon for the second time, also takes on the role of Theseus, who arrives on a swan mobile for the wedding. Elf queen Titania, played by Pauline Kaestner, must fall in love with a man with a donkey's head during the night's magic.
Sophie Stockinger plays Puck as a hand puppet in the production, adding a touch of whimsy to the already fantastical play. The performance duration is approximately two and a half hours with one intermission.
As the evening performances start at 7 PM, and family performances start at 4 PM, a few tickets are still available for the performances on various dates, including June 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 27th, July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. You can secure your tickets on the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus website, www.dhaus.de.
While general knowledge suggests that open-air winter productions in cold climates can present challenges, there are no specific sources or reviews describing the experience of this particular production in Düsseldorf. The unique atmospheric ambiance mixing theatrical magic with the starkness of winter could create a memorable but demanding theatrical experience.
Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast or new to his works, this production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" offers a unique, comedic twist that is sure to entertain. So, wrap up warm and step into the fairground for an unforgettable theatrical journey.
- This unique production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus promises an enchanting blend of 'outdoor-living' and 'entertainment' with its open-air staging during winter, offering a delightful 'home-and-garden' feel reimagined as a whimsical fairground.
- The 'lifestyle' of the characters in this play is further complicated by magical influences, as Director Stas Zhyrkov brings a comedic twist to Shakespeare's timeless work, inviting audiences to wrap up warm and step into the fairground for an unforgettable theatrical adventure.
