REVIEW: Midsummer Night's Dream - PhenoMNal twin cities

I had never considered Helena to be the main character of the Guthrie’s latest production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream puts her front and center. Or rather, it is the brilliant Guthrie newcomer, Royer Bockus, who commands the stage from start to finish. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is known to be a madcap romp of a play, and this production takes that to the max. All gas; no brakes, as the meme goes. We know this is a play about the many facets of love, but from the moment the lights come up and Bockus starts her crowd work, you can tell that they are really bringing us along for the ride. The audience is firmly on Helena’s side now, and Bockus steers the character from being one of pity to a woman with agency and self-respect.

The rest of the cast deliver energetic and hilarious performances, providing a strong foundation for Bockus’s infectious energy. Remy Auberjonois’s Bottom is a scene chewing delight, as is William Sturdevant’s quailing Peter Quince. Nevertheless, Director Joseph Haj’s vision clearly emphasizes Helena’s journey, making her pursuit of Demetrius not just a comedic trope, but a relatable struggle for self-worth. This isn’t the first time Haj has directed Bockus in the role of Helena, having staged A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2020. With any luck, we’ll see more of their collaborations at the Guthrie in the years to come.

This production offers a fresh and insightful take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with full-on song and dance numbers and a rapturous vocal performance by an erstwhile bit of scenery. I expected great things from the Guthrie, and this topped even those, proving that even the most well-worn classics can offer new surprises when approached with imagination and talent. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare aficionado or a newcomer to the play, this production is sure to delight and entertain. This production is a an absolute must-see.

Photo by Dan Norman