Director’s notes

It’s been a full two years since this production, originally planned for 2020, was cancelled a few days before rehearsals were due to begin. After such a long time away, welcome back to this theatre in the Park. Welcome to our Dream.

This play holds a special significance here at Bard on the Beach. This is the play that started the company back in 1990, and it’s a show that the company has returned to at special times, including the 10th and 25th anniversary seasons. I have had the pleasure of performing in five separate productions, all at Bard, since 1990.

One of the most beautiful qualities this play holds is its malleability. Shakespeare created a mix of dramatic styles and took his inspiration from several different literary sources, so there are a multitude of ways to present it to an audience. It also contains magic, which is always an invitation for the audience to suspend its disbelief more deeply and bring their own imaginations to bear. We have employed the 1920s as a general palette, with additions. I was drawn to this era as a reference for its historical similarities to our own current climate: military unrest, civil strife, a global pandemic – a world in trouble; one that reflects our time. It’s a struggling and unsettled place in deep need of renewal, one in which a journey into the dark woods may provide some answers, and a pathway toward a brighter future together. We are excited to be collaborating with the SFu School for the Contemporary Arts for this production. Several fairies will be played by senior students from their Dance program. We will also have talking trees, creepy goblins, a few rewrites, and other surprises to bring to this story – one of young people in search of hearts’ desire; of political figures seeking a path forward; of supernatural powers out of balance, and perhaps, most importantly, a group of actors trying to stage a play under trying circumstances. I’m writing this in April, six weeks before the start of rehearsals, before the artists have come together to build the experience you are about to see – before we really know what our Dream will be. In a way, this note is attempting to tell the future.

The future is, of course, unknowable, until it arrives. And then it’s gone. Just like theatre.

Tree branches for the set of A Midsummer night’s Dream courtesy of Set Designer Amir Ofek Goblin horns sketch courtesy of Costume Designer Christine Reimer

I hope you enjoy our Dream. Scott Bellis, Director

ABOuT SCOTT BeLLIS

I’ve worked in theatre for 35 years now, and I still love it. Born on these lands, raised my kids here. Was a founding member of Bard in 1990. Worked on over 170 productions in many theatres across Canada. Made many friends. 5 Jessie Awards, many nominations. 4 years as Council President of Canadian Actors’ equity Association (and counting). Love my community. Theatre is magic. Theatre is you. Thank you for being here.