Teachers and Directors,
This play holds a magic spot in my heart. I played a raucous Bottom at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, received written praise from Peter O’toole, and away my career took off. While there is magic in the play, I encourage all the characters to play their roles straight, especially the mechanicals, as they are funnier that way. They are actually very serious about their productions, their lives! Stuff happens, that’s all. The fairy world also has different rules, not really immortal, but layers of fragility. All the fairies are important and instructive.
The lovers are basically led by their loins, as subtle as the text demands.
The guide is a compact 28 pages of specific acting/text notes, and directing ideas. I think I am most proud of the large cut in the forest when the lovers quarrel forever. It always descends into farce, an unnecessary direction for this great comedy to stray.
Since I only vacuumed 27%, all of the really good text remains. Playing Bottom was the most fun I ever had in a theatre. I have also seen more Dreams than any other play. I can almost recite it! The essence of all the characters is in this guide! The essence is always in the words! The text makes all of the characters interesting! It is also the most popular play of mankind!
Do it with grade 4s. Slim it down more and give them their lines. Use my secrets from the guide and build worlds and memories, FROM the text! Record what they do for parents.
It is difficult for me to shut up when encouraging this play, and my cut.
Have huge fun,
Rodger