Shakespeare Under The Sky

I still remember the first time I saw a Shakespeare play. I was a child and my mother took me to see A Midsummer Night's Dream to add some culture to my life. Although I was delighted with the fairies, the costumes and the spectacle, at the end of the show, when my mother asked me what had been my favorite line, I said, "so is Lysander." I denied at the time that it was because this was the only line I understood, but I now know the falsehood of my childhood protests.

Years later, I find myself understanding far more of Shakespeare's lines, enjoying the poetry of his language, and reading many of his plays. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a production of Coriolanus on the Boston Common. Though the plot of the play was not my favorite Shakespeare story- being far too political and military for my tastes- the experience of watching theatre under the open air was one that I would encourage anybody who enjoys a good show to partake of.

I arrived with a few friends and found a soft patch of grass just as the show was beginning. The company decided to perform the play in modern dress, which I was once told is actually a more accurate depiction of Shakespearean plays, as the actors of his time would have worn stylized contemporary clothing. I enjoy costuming, and expected to be disappointed by the lack of long dresses, but I found the modern attire of the actors lent a more interesting air to the piece, especially the military portions. We seated ourselves on the ground; the night air was pleasantly warm, and frequently a breeze stirred the leaves of the trees overhead. A blimp hovered behind the stage, an unplanned feature that would have distracted from the show had the play not been performed in modern dress. As it was, I found the blimp to be merely a delightful surprise.

The actors performed with gusto, stating their lines powerfully and audibly. Music was used between scenes, lending a cinematic air to the production, as did the use of lighting, smoke and sound effects. I found myself wondering what Shakespeare himself would have thought of the performance. Surely he would be impressed that even years and years after his death the play was still being performed. But would he call it a misinterpretation? Would he find it appalling that guns were used rather than swords? Or would Shakespeare find it all thrilling and rejoice in the adaptations? It's impossible to say. Personally, I thought the modern effects were well done, without being overstated.

Perhaps it was the lighted stage under an open sky, or the echoes of the actors' voices in the distance, but having theater performed outside was just a miraculous experience. I can only imagine how glorious it would be to have a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, much of which takes place in a forest, performed in the open air of the Boston Commons. I would say theater was made to be performed outside. Regardless of the play, watching Shakespeare as mosquitos tickle your knees and grass stains your shorts is an experience not to be missed. It was an experience as new as watching my first Shakespeare play all those years ago.