Lindsay Christians' piece is a worthy introduction to this latest APT variant:
With so many variations gone before on this very stage, the need to reinvent and reinterpret can push things in weird directions. These moments are either delightful (a romance among the tradesmen-players!) or needlessly confusing, further clouding Shakespeare’s 429-year-old words.One can imagine the discussions around staging Shakespeare: keep it as is, artistic tweaks, or simply do something new, inspired by the original work.
The most successful spin in this 2025 “Midsummer” is a double whammy: two Pucks, played by the irresistible capering combo of Joshua M. Castille and Casey Hoekstra. Using American Sign Language and spoken word, they make a meal of Puck’s mischief.
I am wholly unqualified to comment on this topic, having battled with a grad student years ago over an English Literature grade.
Yet, the question of faithfulness to an original work recalled a Frankfurt symphony concert 40 years ago. While backpacking, I took in the biennial auto show and balanced that terrific event with a night at the symphony.
Bach was on offer.
Yet, for most, the concert was short lived as the crowd began to leave 30 minutes into the performance. I, joined them, yet lingered near the entrance, where a guy with a boom box played Bach.
A few minutes later a well dressed couple walked by, the woman turned to me and emphatically said das ist Bach, ja?
Ever so slightly related: the Wimbledon Radio announcers are terrific, with a broad, quick and quite enjoyable command of English.
