A Midsummer Night's Dream on the big screen

A Midsummer Night's Dream on the big screen description

Grab some friends and join us at The Summerhouse to watch this magical opera on the big screen under the stars.

Benjamin Britten’s musical transformation of Shakespeare’s most loved comedy is something of a miracle: apart from a single short sentence, every word is that of England’s finest poet; every fibre and comic nuance of the play is preserved.

And while a lesser composer might have merely adorned a masterpiece, he created a new one of his own: with its graceful haunting melodies, iridescent orchestration, headily perfumed harmony, and filigree-like vocal textures - there’s nothing in the repertoire like it.

Inspired singing and hilarity... a triumph!

Chicago Classical Review

Neil Armfield’s special affinity with Britten’s operas has been lauded worldwide. “Definitive” and “staggering” was the UK and US critical consensus for his multi-award-winning Billy Budd and audiences lucky enough to have experienced his Peter Grimes and The Turn of the Screw rate them just as highly. Despite its proudly Australian creative team, this missing piece of the puzzle has been seen abroad but never at home.

Magical, otherworldly and playful, it bears all the hallmarks of his exceptional craft: drawing subtle and truthful comedic performances, letting his fairies rip as real kids and, in the finale, delivering a belly laugh-inducing riot.

We’ve endured a year like no other. Seize the chance to laugh and gasp with other human beings. Enter this blissful bubble and surrender to the trusted experts: Shakespeare, Britten and Armfield.

A fantastical soundworld that envelopes you in its glittering magic

Stage Door

Event additional information

Credits

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A co-production of Houston Grand Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera and Canadian Opera Company, presented by Adelaide Festival in association with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

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Composer Benjamin Britten
Libretto Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears after Shakespeare

Directed by Neil Armfield
Set and Costume Design Dale Ferguson
Choreography/Associate Director Denni Sayers
Lighting Damien Cooper

The Fairies
Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen as Oberon
Rachelle Durkin as Tytania

Mark Coles Smith as Puck

The Lovers
Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Theseus
Fiona Campbell as Hyppolita
Andrew Goodwin as Lysander
Sally-Anne Russell as Hermia
James Clayton as Demetrius
Leanne Kenneally as Helena

The Mechanicals
Warwick Fyfe as Bottom
Louis Hurley as Flute
Douglas McNicol as Quince
Pelham Andrews as Snug
Norbert Hohl as Snout
Jeremy Tatchell  as Starveling

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Paul Kildea
Associate Conductor Brett Weymark

Young Adelaide Voices
Director Christie Anderson

The presentation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been made possible by the Adelaide Festival Chairman’s Circle, the Adelaide Festival Opera Donor Circle (Leading Patron Maureen Wheeler AO) and MM Electrical.

The performances by Sally-Anne Russell and Teddy Tahu Rhodes have been supported by Peter McKee and Pamela McKee

Additional Info

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Theatres are currently being sold at reduced capacity in line with SA Health guidelines. This event is currently sold at 50% capacity. Bookings through BASS attract an $8.95 transaction fee.

 

Register your details

Help us beat the queues! Be ready to complete an SA Government COVID SAfe Check-In on arrival. This can be most ​easily and quickly done by scanning the QR Code, otherwise you can record your details manually. ​

Masks

This event is currently sold at 50% capacity and as a result, patrons will not be required to wear masks.​

Keep Everyone Safe​

• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms.
• Maintain physical distancing at all times.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Hand sanitiser will be available at all venues.

Follow directions given by Adelaide Festival Covid Marshals, venue staff and volunteers.​

 

Partners

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