Experience 7: Shakespeare in the Grove

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
(Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act V, Scene i)

I have seen a few Shakespearean performances in my life and have read most of Shakespeare’s plays. I’ve seen the contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet and enjoyed a variety of interpretations of the bard’s work. What I’ve never done before is see Shakespeare performed outside. So, on a midsummer's night, Jay and I headed out to see Shakespeare performed as his plays were originally intended—outdoors.

Tidewater Community College has hosted an annual Shakespeare in the Grove production for the past eleven years. Each year, the theatre troupe led by the vision of creative director Ed Jacob, interprets a different Shakespeare play (often in a very different form than Shakespeare originally intended) and performs it over several days during the summer for the audiences who gather in the “grove” on the sprawling campus.

Though I’ve lived right down the road from TCC for seven years, this was the first time I’ve experienced Shakespeare in the Grove. In addition to more traditional productions, past offerings have included a 1950s version of Two Gentlemen of Verona and a 1970s disco version of Love's Labour's Lost. This year, the troupe performed one of my favorite plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the twist being the time period and setting: 1900s Appalachia. While I was skeptical at first, their interpretation was entertaining and spot-on. I never felt they were stretching the credibility of the play by taking it so far outside the context of the original. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was written in the 1590s and set in Athens and they successfully made it work for early twentieth century American mountain folk.

Darkness fell and the full moon rose about half-way into the play, bringing an air of magic to the green-lighted stage set (and also bringing out every biting bug known to man). The fairies were a delight, as was the big-voiced Oberon and lovely Titania and Puck was his usual mischievous self. There were some weak performances, but the cast worked very well together to bring Shakespeare to life for a diverse and appreciative audience. The best part? The performance is free, which makes me feel particularly generous in my praise and appreciation. It was truly a delightful way to spend a summer’s night. I only wish I'd thought to bring my camera so I would have some pictures to share.

After studying Shakespeare for over two decades, I've grown to love his deft use of language and multi-layered plots. He can be difficult to read, but plays are meant to be seen and experienced. It's important to remember that Shakespeare wrote for the average citizen. His plays were entertainment and diversion from the difficulties of everyday life. The theatre troupe of Tidewater Community College did a fabulous job of conjuring the spirit of Shakespeare with their animated and enthusiastic interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.



Do It Yourself

A few things to know about seeing an outdoor Shakespeare production…

--Bug spray, bug spray, bug spray! Use liberally.

--Bring beach chairs rather than a blanket. Your back will thank you later. Do make sure your chairs are low enough not to block the view of anyone who does sit on the ground, however.

--Bring snacks and beverages, or make a picnic of it. One of the best things about theatre outdoors is that you can bring your own food, unlike the more formal indoor performances.

--Get into the spirit of things. Maybe Shakespeare set in 1900s Appalachia isn’t your cup of tea, but maybe you can appreciate the creativity necessary to adapt Shakespeare to a different era and setting.

--New to Shakespeare? Don’t be scared. Shakespeare wrote for the masses, which means his plots are easily understood even if the language eludes you the first (or second) times you see a play.