Ottawa’s Fools Bring Shakespeare to Outdoor Audiences in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Even after reading mountains of books, watching dozens of movies, and attending endless high school English classes, one can still find it incredibly difficult to understand — and most importantly, appreciate — the theatrical works of William Shakespeare. While most have heard of the general stories and themes (you know: royalty, murder, preteen love), oftentimes the complex script and even more complicated wording can be, well, alienating.
Until A Company of Fools comes along, that is.
Ottawa’s much-loved group of Shakespearean jokers and jesters have returned this summer to bring one of the Bard’s most celebrated comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to local audiences in lovely outdoor settings. Directed by AL Connors, the classic comedy has been tailored to fit into a 90-minute, family-friendly performance that includes a cast of six and an incredible portable set full of surprises.
Ottawa Tonite took the opportunity to chat with AL Connors and actors Stephanie Iszak, Richard Gelinas, Cari Leslie, and Katie Ryerson about all that outdoor performances with the Fools entails: a hilarious play, an incredible theatrical team, the spontaneous elements, generous audiences, and the occasional desire to be shirtless.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs every Monday through Saturday until August 2nd in various parks across the Ottawa region. Shows begin at 7pm and are “pass-the-hat-and-pay-what-you-can” (with a suggested donation of $10).
More information about the company and its current production, including a full schedule of performance locations can be found at: fools.ca
Video courtesy of Kevin Burton
Tags: A Company of Fools, AL Connors, Cari Leslie, Katie Ryerson, Midsummer Night's Dream, outdoor theatre in Ottawa, RichardGelinas, Stephanie Iszak, William Shakespeare
