Picture by Bruce Coker
One Year Foundation 2008-2009 Public Show 14-16th July 2009
A Midsummer Night's Dream
By William Shakespeare
Nightingale Theatre
14th - 16th July 2009
Directed by Ralf Higgins
Shakespeare's dream turns nightmare in this contemporary, re-interpretation of the play. Director, Ralf Higgins says: "This dream is closer to a nightmare; the course of true love never did run smooth, especially when death threats are issued willy nilly and your beloved goes bi-polar on you."
Inspired by the work of controversial Catalan director Calixto Bieito, film director David Lynch and Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, with a brooding soundtrack influenced by Twin Peaks composer, Angelo Badalamenti, this Dream will be one to remember.
Picture by Bruce Coker.
The Argus - Thursday 16th July 2009
By Tania Deaville
Without the use of scenery, and barely any props, students from Brighton's Academy Of Creative Training relied on powerful music and imaginative acting for dramatic effect. Hermia (Rachel Young) and her lover Lysander (Matt Eden) flee from Athens to avoid Hermia's impending marriage to her father's chosen suitor, Demetrius (Robert Knowles). However, chocolate-munching Helena is also in love with Demetrius and Clare Burt effectively captured Helena's naive, self-deprecating pursuit of her spurning beau, who only retorts: "I am sick when I look on thee".
Gareth Clark was hilarious as Nick Bottom, and Fiona McGonigle was bewitching as his seductress, the Fairy Queen, Titania. Director Ralf Higgins said: "This dream is closer to a nightmare; the course of true love never did run smooth, especially when death threats are issued willynilly and your beloved goes bi-polar on you." There were a few fluffed lines but they could be excused as it was a long play, and the theatre was sweltering. With influences ranging from David Lynch to Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, this contemporary re-interpretation of Shakespeare's classic comedy encompassed many scary and comical moments.