"Theatrical Presentation of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Düsseldorf Theater"
The Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus is set to host an enchanting open-air production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," directed by Stas Zhyrkov. The performances, scheduled from June 5 to July 5, promise a unique experience with a fairground and clowning theme (www.dhaus.de).
This imaginative staging interprets the play through the lens of a fairground environment. Clowning elements, such as physical comedy, exaggerated expressions, and improvisation, are used to emphasize the play’s whimsical and fantastical aspects, creating a comedic and magical atmosphere.
The fairground setting serves as a frame for the play's magical world, transforming it into a playful spectacle reminiscent of a circus or carnival. The Athenian craftsmen, for instance, appear as crazy clowns at the Duke's wedding, while Puck is portrayed using a hand puppet by Sophie Stockinger.
The comedy version also features a medley about "What is love?" performed by the characters, adding a modern touch to the classic play. The performances, which last approximately two and a half hours with one intermission, include a cast of renowned actors such as Pauline Kaestner as Elf queen Titania, Markus Danzeisen as an elf, Alexander Wanat as Zettel, the chief jester, and Jonas Friedrich Leonhardi as Theseus.
The premiere of this delightful production took place in front of the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus, where spectators were initially uncomfortable due to winter coats, low temperatures, and sharp winds. However, most audience members stayed determined to enjoy the show, which offered clowning, songs, bawdy jokes, and a bit of Shakespeare.
Evening performances start at 7 PM, and family performances start at 4 PM, with the performances held on the Gründgens Platz in front of the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus. With the next available dates for the performances being June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 27, as well as July 3, 4, and 5, it's not too late to secure your tickets for this festive, visually dynamic interpretation of the classic play.
The fairground and clowning theme lends a comedic and magical atmosphere to the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," with various characters imbued with clowning elements for added humor.
The enchanting open-air staging transforms Shakespeare's play into a playful spectacle, complete with clowning, songs, and improvisation, reminiscent of a circus or carnival.
