Filter and the Lyric Hammersmith’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Filter Theatre and the Lyric Hammersmith are two theatrical organisations who combine forces to produce innovative and exciting theatrical productions. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was directed by Sean Holmes and created by Filter Theatre, who are said to “create new work and interpret classic texts” ((Filter Theatre (2013) ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. (Accessed 30 January 2013) Available at: http://www.filtertheatre.com/page/Coming_Soon/)), and was performed at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre in October 2011. This production was particularly inspiring due to its unique adaptation and modernisation of the classic Shakespeare text, which they describe as ” a magical and fast-paced version of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy” ((Filter Theatre (2013) ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. (Accessed 30 January 2013) Available at: http://www.filtertheatre.com/page/Coming_Soon/)).

This production particularly stood out to us because of the innovative way in which the company produced their own sound effects. The concept of producing live music and sound effects on stage, while the action takes place is very inventive and creates a further component to the performance. As well as watching the action, the audience can experience the delights of live and ingenious music creation. This impressive form of sound production was very complimentary of Filter theatre’s modernised version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as it enhanced the magical element of the theatre experience.

As well as providing Progeny Theatre Company with inspiration in terms of technical production, it also grants us insight into how to adapt an original text into a unique and thought-provoking format, which both engages and ‘wows’ its audience.