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Why Rock Stars?
In this production, we invite you to enter the world of the past, present, and future. Midsummer exists anytime and anywhere, opening the doors of your freedom and imagination!
But, why the rock n roll aesthetic?
Many aspects of this show take place in the aesthetic of the world of rock n roll, specifically in the aesthetic and music. All Shakespeare comedies start out with tragedy, and from there, the darkness of the play shifts into silly, horny, mischievous love. This parallels America entering the rock n' roll culture from the late 1960s and on, as the world shifted from the tragedy of the post war world into a new chaos. In this way, both Midsummer and this time era hone in on sex, drugs, and rock n' roll.
How does it relate to the characters?
Alongside these aspects, the way people were viewed during the rock n' roll era is comparable to how some characters are viewed in this show. For example, women who listened to rock were seen as insecure because they turned to the chaos of life. This parallels Hermia and her experiences in the play, as she enters her own chaos after feeling the tragedy of being betrayed by her lover.
Finally, the ages of rock n' roll mark the early stages of open gender fluidity in America. This also correlates with the use of gender fluidity in the casting of this production. We ask that you use this as a door to enter the progress made within Shakespearian times, to the rock n' roll ages, to modern day.
Why Lazzi?
Being that A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy, there are, of course, scripted jokes. But in this production (and surely many others), there also unscripted jokes, or lazzi!
First of all... what does "lazzi" even mean?
So, "lazzo" is Italian for "joke." Its plural form is "lazzi," which, as defined by the dictionary, is "improvised comic dialogue or action in the commedia dell'arte."
It is usually unrelated to developing the plot, but just for laughs and entertainment!
Commedia dell'arte
Commedia dell'arte is a form of theatre that came about in northern Italy in the fifteenth century. What is this form of theatre exactly? It is comedic, improvised dialogue by a cast of "stock characters." Talented companies or troupes formed to perform this art to amuse audiences, and it quickly became popular throughout Europe.
Each stock character of the troupe would be unique; they would each stand out with different gestures, props, costumes, or ways of speaking.
How is it being incorporated into this production?
"At times like this, we need art. We need to laugh. We need community." - Tom Bradac, director
This play is a comedy, and in Shakespeare, there is no fourth wall. So, that leaves a lot of room for interactive lazzi! You might see a cast member joke directly with an audience member. Incorporating this into the show was a given artistic choice, as it is tradition to do so in a Shakespearean comedy.
Why should we care?
Your favorite comedians today are performing funny bits that all stem from commedia dell'arte!
Examples of lazzi you might see today:
Slapstick
Dirty humor
Gimmicks
Pratfalls, formally defined as "a fall onto one's buttocks"
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