Hand in hand, with fairy grace, Will we sing, and bless this place... Titania, Oberon, Puck and the Fairies

The way to read a fairy tale is to throw yourself in.
~W. H. Auden 

When I was a little girl, I always believed in fairies and sprites. I knew they lived at the bottom of the garden, were always there to make wishes come true and were very, very mischievous.  They were my invisible friends (though at times, I may have convinced myself I could see them), my confidantes, my dream weavers.  Yeah... I had a an overactive imagination. 

Shakespeare seemed to agree... at least about the mischievous part.  The fairies and forest creatures he has has brought to life in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM do have more to offer than traditional fairyland myth and mayhem.  Yes, the fairy creatures  in MIDSUMMER do live in an ethereal world, based on Greek myth and theory... BUT, they are also very human in their actions, emotions and reality.  They fight like humans... they play like humans... they think with a mortal slant... they have memories as a human mortal does... they retaliate and connive like a human might... and, clearly they Feel like a human.  Pain, elation, sadness, jealousy, joy, happiness...  It is all there.

In this production, I will be looking to bring these characters to life with all the mystery and magic of the fairy myth, while still achieving a sense of humanity, both in physicality and emotionality.  Costuming will not be the typical chiffon and wire wings.   Titania, Puck and Oberon will be in period dress similar to the mortal characters, yet each will have a distinct set of traits which costuming will assist them in pulling out in performance.  As with the other characters, auditioning actors have asked me for some clues about what I will be looking for.  As I stated in the last post about the Lovers (and probably will again for the Mechanicals), I am looking to create a production that will...


"...address many facets of each of these characters, without falling back on the stereotype of actor portrayals gone by...  I have already been asked many times about the actor requirements and technique structure I am looking for in the actors looking to play one of these roles. For the record, stereotypes, egos and short sightedness have no place in one of my productions.  

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR - THIS PRODUCTION and the ACTORS
Of course, as always, I am looking for strong basic technique with clear, articulate voices and confident, motivated movement.  Not necessarily trained, seasoned actors, but artists with the pliability to be molded, taught, opened up to new concepts. Actors with a strong and professional work ethic, willing to look beyond what other actors have done before in other productions.  I will be looking for actor chemistry within couples, groups, and the cast, as a whole.


I want a fresh approach to these characters and a new look at the possibilities, without threatening Shakespeare's original intent.   Yes, we are setting in the Regency period and in doing so, I would like to look at the challenges that these characters faced, with a realistic approach -- it wasn't all cream tea and balls, now was it?  Of course, I would love to bring a little modernity into the production, as well..."

CLUES to the Fairies IN THIS PRODUCTION
Yes, I have a very specific vision for each of these characters.  This vision is still developing and most certainly shall continue to do so once we enter the rehearsal process in a month or so.  Each of these characters is iconic and I am hoping to find the actors that truly embody the concept, without falling back on the stereotype of past performances.   

Without a doubt, the Fairies must have incredible vocal strength and ability.  Vocal level, emotional conveyance and handling, breath control, technique... all aspects I will be looking for in the actors who ultimately get the roles.  Strong, motivated, and connected movement is also important.  Like the lovers, there will be some combat and period dance.  Ideally, I would like Titania to be able to sing.  Without giving away everything about the play (I do expect auditionees to be somewhat familiar with the play) or the conceptual aspects I plan to use, I will share 10 little clues about what is to come for these characters in this production:

1. Puck is a bit of a Puppet Master and will control many aspects of the show.  He/she must be able to handle animated, sometimes awkward, energized movement... the entire show!  
2. Titania must be able to 'stop traffic', both with her presence and her voice.  She must have a charisma that pulls all attention to her.  She is an 'Earth Mother' type of character, who takes control, is the ultimate power.
3. Titania is in control of Oberon, though they do have a definite 'give and take' and then take revenge type of relationship... But, Titania and Oberon's relationship is a symphony of emotion and they do belong together.  They are compatible and work in harmony...
4. My Fairies will NOT have wings!  They will have physicality and costuming indicative of 'who' they are, what they are... They will come alive from 'nothing'... sometimes inanimate, sometimes ethereal, others corporeal and highly animate.
5.  The Fairies and Sprites MUST have a great handling of movement (or strong dance ability), as they will be challenged by awkward positions and sometimes 'crazy' movement and blocking.  
6. The Fairies will likely be onstage most of the show in 'some capacity'
7. Like the Lovers, there will be the potential for combat and a little 'Fight Club philosophy' pending the physical experience and ability level of the actors cast
8. You WILL want to take a little look at the world of Jane Austen
9. There will be a lot of scope for actor input within the concept 
10. Open your Minds -- Immerse yourself into the world of the unseen... read a fairy tale, do some visualization, believe in the unbelievable.   Let your imagination run free...

 Now, take a little time to digest these things... Soak up some information on the Regency period (roughly 1810 to 1820) and look for more to come!

 Next Time - Midsummer and Me....