Shakespeare Under the Stars Launches in Newcastle
Whale Chorus theatre company are launching their inaugural season of Shakespeare Under the Stars this summer presenting A Midsummer Night’s Dream amongst the iconic fig trees of Pacific Park.
Performed by 10 local actors, and one local dog, this play is a celebration of the magic and madness of love and how the natural world can transform us and alter our ways of seeing. Performed with live music, and pre-show face painting by the fairy queen, this all ages event is one for the summer calendar not to be missed.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, following the story of four young lovers, and a group of amateur actors, as they journey into the forest only to have Puck the fairy turn their realities into chaos and strange dreams. Performed by the Shakespeare Ensemble, made up of 10 local actors aged 23-62, who have all been training for 14 weeks in a rigorous rehearsal process, cultivating their skills in voice, ensemble work and exploring the depths of Shakespeare's language.
Director Janie Gibson has travelled the world, from Poland to the U.S.A, studying traditions of ensemble and text based theatre. She has now returned to her hometown of Newcastle to start her theatre company and give back to the community.
As Janie reflects “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is such a fun play. It brings out a spirit of joy and silliness in the rehearsal room. But in this work Shakespeare is also asking some very deep questions about love. In Midsummer we see how love and the forces of the natural world have the power to transform; they can overcome oppressive and archaic laws, they can instill chaos and madness, and ultimately they can make us see anew”.
"Wonderful to see young actors full of energy and passion bringing theatre to life in a very personal way." Theatre on the Town for HOME
"Janie has established herself as a powerful and original performance maker" Realtime Arts
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Dates: January 28th & 29th
Times: 4pm and 7pm (100 mins)
Venue: Pacific Park, 1 Pacific St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Tickets: $35 Full | $25 Concession
Book: www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows or call (02) 4929 1977
Media enquiries: Marigold Pazar, marigold.pazar@gmail.com or 0422 382 638
