PLOT

“A Midsummer Nights Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and well known comedies. There are three main, interlinking story lines:

One revolves around the six lovers. Duke Theseus and Hippolyta are preparing for their wedding. Lysander and Demetrius are in love with Hermia, yet Hermia loves only Lysander and it is Helena who loves Demetrius – who continues to spurn her. Hermia’s father Egeus does not approve of Lysander and demands she either marry Demetrius or live a life as a nun. This results in Lysander and Hermia deciding to elope.
The second story line is that of the King and Queen of the fairies: Oberon and Titania. They are arguing and Oberon sends his mischief making Puck (Robyn Goodfellow) along with love potion to humiliate Titania, as well as to help Demetrius love Helena. Puck however accidentally drugs Lysander as well, resulting in a turn of events where neither Lysander or Demetrius is in love with Hermia any longer. Meanwhile, Titania is in love with an Ass.
The third story line is the mechanicals; foolish workmen within the state. They decide to put on a play as a contribution to the duke’s wedding. Most vocal of the Mechanicals is Bottom who is turned by Robyn in to an Ass whom Titania, under love potion, then falls in love with. At the end of the play they perform their play to the six lovers and other members of court.

If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended

That you have but slumbered here

While these visions did appear.

- Puck

“What, should I hurt her, strike her, kill her dead? Although I hate her, I’ll not harm her so.”

- Lysander