HHS Students Perform William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Harrison High School Playhouse proudly presented William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare’s plays have been taught at Harrison High School, and in classrooms around the country for years because of their exemplary use of language and timeless themes. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and beloved comedies. With mischievous fairies, forbidden love and a ridiculous play-within-a-play, it is no wonder A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the most-produced high school plays. 

The plot is set into action when Hermia and Lysander are forbidden to wed by Hermia’s father. Hermia and Lysander venture into the forest away from Athens where they can be married away from the harsh rule of the Athenian law. They are pursued by Demetrius, Hermia’s intended husband, and Helena, who is in love with Demetrius. In the woods their lives and loves are turned upside down by the mischievous fairy Puck.  

In the woods, we also encounter the King and Queen of Fairyland, Oberon and Titania. They are arguing because Titania has adopted a human child, and she has refused to give him up to Oberon to be his servant. Oberon decides to get his revenge on Titania by putting a love spell on her. Meanwhile, a group of amateur actors rehearse a play in the woods to perform for the Duke of Athens on his wedding day. They too have their world turned upside down when Puck transforms the head tof heir lead actor, Bottom the Weaver, into that of a donkey. Titania ends up falling in love with Bottom the Donkey, and much comedy ensues.

Performances took place in the Harrison Performing Arts Center at Harrison High School on Friday, November 3rd at 6:30pm, Saturday, November 4th at 7pm, and Sunday, November 5th at 2pm.