Review: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Pop-up Globe, Ellerslie, Auckland

Pop-up Globe has taken Shakespeare's most performed play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream to another level by honouring our
bi-culturalism with the inclusion of Te Reo.

If only we could have more of this and infused as cleverly as this was done.

There are three distinctive groupings in this play; the four young mismatched lovers escaping the prospect of a death sentence and fleeing into the forest, the mechanicals, who are portrayed in this production as kiwi construction workers who like to meet in the forest to rehearse their secret love of theatre and the forest dwellers who are portrayed by our tangata whenua.

The four lovers are as melodramatic as ever. Traditionally clad and mostly sticking to the well known story with the inclusion of modern day suitcases (how Hermia, played by Rebecca Rogers got in one is beyond me) and a gun.

Kate McGill's comedic talent certainly was a standout as she hammed up Helena's situation using her unique style of subtlety - one move of her eyebrow and she has the audience with her.

The forest dwellers were mesmerising. The use of Te Reo to portray Shakespeare-speak was beautifully executed. Accolades to Anatonio Te Maioha in his portrayal of Oberon and Renaye Tamati as Titania. These two brought a level of myth, the spiritual and passion totally enhancing, honouring and making the story part of 'us'. Beautiful.

The forest scenes were spellbinding with ancient creatures of myth and legend replacing the usual fairies.

Those who could not understand the Te Reo could still understand the story.

Te Maioha and Tamati respectively played the roles of Theseus and Hippolyta wearing a clever combination of traditional and Maori. Clever.

Reuben Butler as Puck is sensational with his agility, delivery and all round high energy.

It was great to see that some of the young people amongst the groundlings had attended 'Twelfth Night' the night before and were enjoying the interaction just as much.

Once again the music kept the rhythm of the story, the time the musicians moving to the top balcony but still very much involved.

Pop-up Globe
Midsummer Night's Dream
Until August 25th
Bookings: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/availability-calendar/2019/pop-up-globe-winter-2019