By KATH GANNAWAY
AS THE world celebrates the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s VCE Theatre Studies class is staging an adaptation of the Bard’s classic comedy, ‘‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ that is anything but traditional.
‘Dream’ opens on Thursday 12 May.
The college’s aim is to produce not just a high-quality performance, but to also maximise for students all aspects of the arts in an imaginative, fun and supportive environment.
Building on a 30-year tradition of musical and dramatic productions, the class of 16 students undertake roles in direction lighting, sound, set and costume design, make-up, publicity and production management.
Molly Mackinnon, who plays the love-struck ‘Helena’, said she had found producing a show to a high standard allowed for everyone’s creative ideas to be heard and used.
“I have found myself learning from other production members and the company, different ideas, themes, jokes – they all bring something extra to our table, it’s a very imaginative and creative environment to be in,” Molly said.
The set design portrays Ancient Athens in a modern design style.
“This contrasts the Greek obsession with form, elegance and symmetry; with the chaos, randomness and mystique of an enchanted Forest … . where the characters find their true selves,” she added.
The script has been updated and renovated into modern-day English, but with care paid to retaining the lyrical beauty of the original phrasing.
There are the famous Lords, Lovers and Fairies, however, Molly said, one element of their reinterpretation was to portray the wannabe actor Mechanicals as ‘hipsters’, in a tribute to contextualising ‘Dream’ deep within the heart of Melbourne’s local culture.
Guided by teacher Mr Kamahl Russell, the students learn all theatrical and stagecraft elements of planning, developing and producing a scripted performance.
“These amazing kids have achieved something incredible,” Mr Russell said.
“Their humour, their ideas, their irony, their experiences of love and relationships are reflected in every line they deliver.”
‘Dream’ is opening on Thursday 12 May at Mount Lilydale Mercy College.
Tickets can be purchased through the school’s website, or at www.trybooking.com/LCYA
