This Shakespearean romantic comedy following four love-struck teenagers who find themselves in an enchanted forest with fairies and a donkey was brought to life on Timber Creek’s stage Nov. 7-9.
The play, suitable for all ages, was performed in a pithy 40 minutes. It was presented in preparation for the District V Thespian Competition Nov. 21-23.
To bring the fairies’ magic to life, puppetry was displayed behind three translucent panels and whispers were heard when a fairy cast a spell, adding interesting creative elements.
While many modern audiences are unaccustomed to the words of Shakespeare, the thespians’ enthusiasm and passion made it easy to comprehend the emotions the characters experienced.
Sophomore Abbi Bryson played Helena; a teen infatuated with Demetrius, played by junior Connor Akers. Bryson did an excellent job portraying a teen girl in love with a boy who does not want her back, at one point chasing Akers around screaming her love for him as he ran away terrified and trying to find his true love.
One night when all wander into the woods Puck, a fairy played by junior Renée Ramcharan, casts a spell on Demetrius causing him to awake with a sudden love for Helena. Lysander, played by senior Chris Newton, was also touched by the spell and became fond of Helena. A fierce competition between the two teens sparks as they both fight for Helena’s love.
Senior Alyssa Castro played Hermia, Demetrius’ original love interest and Lysander’s secret fiancée, awakens to see the two men fighting for Helena’s hand and becomes outraged. A fight between the two heroines broke out, but when all fall asleep Puck reversed the spells setting all back to normal.
“Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind, and therefore is winged cupid painted blind,” said Helena.
Rating: 6/10
I loved the emotion and passion the actors used to connect with their characters and help the play come to life. I found it to be very humorous when Helena would chase Demetrius with lust filled eyes, and when she awoke after the spell to see Demetrius and Lysander chasing her. The thespians are a class act.