A Midsummer Night's Dream review Nicholas Hytner's revels return with bawdy, uninhibited mischief
Briefly

Nicholas Hytner's vibrant return to the Bridge with Shakespeare's comedy brings an exhilarating blend of comedy and immersive theater. Emmanuel Akwafo shines as Bottom, leading a group of amateur actors through absurd rehearsals. The striking set by Bunny Christie represents a dreamlike world, where stage mechanics blur the line between reality and fantasy. Puck's aerial antics captivate, delivering a modern twist on traditional roles, particularly with the gender switch between Oberon and Titania, which empowers Titania's character. The production thrives on its lively energy and inventive staging, making for a memorable theatrical experience.
Hytner's rollicking production of Shakespeare's great comedy feasts on bawdy mischief and aerial antics, emphasizing the power dynamics between Titania and Oberon.
Emmanuel Akwafo's uninhibited Bottom instructs the am-dram players to rehearse most obscenely and courageously, adding a lively layer to the performance.
The immersive setup where half the audience mingles with the foggy underland allows for an experience that embodies the magical creatures of the play.
The gender-flipping of Oberon and Titania's roles enhances the narrative, creating a powerful dynamic that functions through the archetypal myth of love and desire.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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