A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in NYC at Theater at St. Jean

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in NYC

Chiara Ajkun’s Original Ballet | Ajkun Ballet Theatre

NYC Shows: August 8, 9, and 14, 2026

Ajkun Ballet Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings Shakespeare’s most popular comedy to life through vibrant choreography, theatrical magic, and exhilarating humor. Reimagined by internationally acclaimed choreographer Chiara Ajkun, this one-act ballet transforms the classic tale of love, illusion, and mischief into a dynamic ballet experience set just outside Athens.

This summer, audiences may choose between two New York City experiences: an immersive Midtown Manhattan performance in the historical landmark New York City Center and a traditional Upper East Side theater performance at the Theater at St. Jean.

The Story

Love unravels as Hermia defies her father’s command to marry Demetrius, choosing instead her true love, Lysander. Their escape into the woods sparks a chain of pursuits, misunderstandings, and comic reversals. As Helena chases Demetrius through the forest, the supernatural realm intervenes.

The Fairy King Oberon and Queen Titania clash over a magical child, prompting Oberon to unleash a love potion through his mischievous servant Puck. Mistakes multiply, spells misfire, and romance descends into hilarious chaos until harmony is restored and love triumphs with the blessing of the fairies.

Blending expressive classical technique with bold theatricality, Chiara Ajkun captures the wit, romance, and imagination of Shakespeare in a ballet that delights audiences of all ages.

Music & Performance

Set to the iconic music of Felix Mendelssohn, adapted to support the full narrative, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is performed by the Ajkun Ballet Company, whose dancers bring elegance, athleticism, and character-driven storytelling to the stage.

Two Ways to Experience the Ballet Audiences may attend the immersive Midtown Manhattan performance, designed to bring guests closer to the dancers and the theatrical detail of the choreography, or the Upper East Side theater performance, offering the classic atmosphere of a New York City ballet evening.

The immersive Midtown performances give audiences a rare opportunity to experience professional ballet at close range, emphasizing direct engagement, emotional connection, and a deeper appreciation of choreography as a living, shared experience.

The Upper East Side theater performance offers the full sense of occasion of a traditional theater setting, with staging, lighting, and the atmosphere of a refined cultural evening in Manhattan.

Chiara Ajkun’s Original Art

Originally commissioned in 2015, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is now part of The Originals, Chiara Ajkun’s internationally celebrated collection of new ballets performed by national theaters in 27 countries. Known for her dynamic, elegant, and expressive style, Ajkun continues to shape contemporary ballet with works that are both insightful and entertaining.

Choreography: Chiara Ajkun Music: Felix Mendelssohn Performed by: Ajkun Ballet Company

Learn more: https://www.ajkunbt.org/midsummer-nights-dream-ballet-nyc

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in NYC

Date, Time, Location:

Shows at 7:30 pm. Audience will be seated 30 minutes before showtime. Show lasts approximately 1h 30mins).

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN IMMERSIVE BALLET EXPERIENCE Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30 pm Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 7:30 pm Rudolf Nureyev Performing Space at New York City Center 130 West 56th Street, 6th floor, New York City, NY 10019 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-midsummer-nights-dream-tickets-1571889978239?aff=oddtdtcreator

UPPER EAST SIDE THEATER PERFORMANCE Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm Theater at St. Jean 150 East 76th Street, New York City, NY 10021 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-midsummer-nights-dream-tickets-1574452803719?aff=oddtdtcreator