Would this post title be enough to convey the title of the play I enjoyed this morning at school? How about if I added the names Bottom, Hippolyta, Lysander, and Hermia? Enthusiastic fourth-graders performed an only slightly modified version of A Mid-Summer Night's Dream for parents and classmates. Like me, the audience was awestruck by the Fairies' dance and originally composed song. They smirked at Helena's sarcasm and Hermia's fury. They laughed at Bottom, transformed into a donkey. Their cheers for Peter Quince's players' performance (with a loud wail from Thisbe) resounded. They clapped in rhythm as each group of actors came out for a final bow. Smiles stretched wide as the actors quickly changed from costumes to school clothes - and headed to math.
I had the honor of watching a dress rehearsal by these young thespians and was truly impressed how they tackled a Shakespearean play with all of the bard's original language. Wow! Bravos and huzzahs to both the students and their teacher/director for giving them this rich experience.
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