Shakespeare in ISC style: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Listen to this articleImagine, for that is absolutely required, what happens when a small group of unsuspecting mortals enter the realm of the fantastical forest. You will see before you a wild and exotic ride as written by William Shakespeare but made even more intriguing by the unique style of the multiple award winning Independent Shakespeare Company.
Indeed it seems a passion for ISC to take Shakespearean classics and bring them a bit closer to modern times while concurrently preserving their authenticity. And so it is with their current offering of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Two young couples enter the forest and they are soon swept into confusion over their love. Also entering the mystical realm is a group of actors preparing a play. They too get caught up in the wonderful weirdness of the enchanted forest.
Every single performer in this most unique and captivating version of the Shakespearean classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream grabs and holds the audience. Jose Acain is the zany and somewhat devilish Theseus Puck and Sam Breen delivers Oberon with finesse. The always entertaining Kalean Ung wins yet again as Titania. Other cast members play double roles and everyone is at their peak.
The venue is bit modest for the scale of the adventure yet they manage to deliver a very entertaining and captivating performance. The Independent Shakespeare Company is also well known for its annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival performed every summer in Griffith Park. But to enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream you will need to go to the Independent Studio, at the Atwater Crossing Arts + Innovation Complex, 3191 Casitas Avenue, No. 168, Los Angeles, California 90039.
There is abundant free parking and there are even a limited number of free tickets available. Free or otherwise simply call: 818-719-6306 for ticketing and reservations. The show runs now through November 20th with show times Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy Shakespeare as it was meant to be.
Photos by Grettel Cortes
Top photo: Sam Breen as Oberon with Jose Acain as Puck
Ron Irwin was born in Chicago, Illinois a long time ago. He served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, became a trial lawyer, TV and radio host, CEO of a public company and once held an Emmy. He never won an Emmy he just held one. Ron has written and published twelve books. His most important book to date is “Live, Die, Live Again” in which Ron tells of his early life and his unexpected and very temporary death in 2012. That experience dramatically refocused his life and within the pages of that book Ron reveals how he achieved a much healthier life, ridding himself of Diabetes, Cancer and Heart Failure. Now Ron enjoys writing about many things including health topics, travel [he has circled the globe several times], adventure, culinary experiences and the world of performing art. Ron’s motto is “Live better, live longer and live stronger because it feels great and annoys others.” Contact the author.