“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a classic William Shakespeare play that many know to be one of his most whimsical pieces. The story follows four Athenian characters who endure a twisted love tale in a fantastical forest. Although the plot stands out on its own, theatre director Mr. Shawn Northrip decided to add a twist to this spring’s production.
“We’ve made the play a little bit shorter than the original version, because my goal is something that’s really fast, punchy and funny,” Mr. Northrip said. “I want to get right to the ‘ha-ha’ and not spend a lot of time with beautiful language. I don’t dislike [the language], but I really wanted to laugh.”
Those who work with Mr. Northrip know he doesn’t do anything basic or expected. His goals? Turn heads, make people laugh, and create something completely new.
“What if we do the whole show in pajamas? And then I just went on Schoology and posted [the idea] to my IB Theatre kids. Suddenly, when I came to class, I had to justify pajamas to these kids, who all looked angry and confused at me. [I just said] but like, it’s a dream, right?”
The dream doesn’t stop at pajamas — his aim is to also make the entire set one giant pillow fort.
“My vision is that the set is just a giant mountain of pillows that’s somehow the largest pillow fort that characters are coming from,” he said. “I just want to make a very imaginative, cozy, sleepy world.”
In this way, he is attempting to practice what he preaches to his students. Teaching lessons on directing and having a concept for a show, he is now taking the opportunity to display an out-of-the-box concept that can make the show more entertaining.
When formulating this approach, he took his year-four theater students into consideration.
“Who wants [a play] to be the same? My goal is always to mix it up. Four years of not expecting the same thing for me is pretty challenging. And in my career, I also don’t want to expect the same thing for myself.”
With the first read through on February 10, there is much work to be done. Mr. Northrip hopes that this version will transcend expectations of the show, and wants people to come and experience something fun and unique. “Bring your pajamas to the play and let’s make it a cozy evening.”
