Dream of Shakespeare

Ozact is presenting Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of celebrations for its 30th anniversary.

The company has been bringing the Bard’s works to life in Victoria’s most stunning outdoor venues for the past three decades, and will bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Geelong Botanic Gardens later this month.

This production promises to transport audiences to the enchanted world of fairies, lovers, and mischief-makers.

Since its founding by Bruce Widdop in 1995, Ozact Theatre Company has built a loyal audience following by merging the natural environment with timeless theatre. This year’s production will be no exception.

Weaving together the misadventures of four lovers, a group of amateur actors, Athenian nobility and mischievous fairies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises delight for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned Bardolater or Shakespearean neophyte.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be staged outdoors where the lush beauty of nature will intertwine with the enchanted forests of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy. Other venues iinclude Kirks Reservoir in Ballarat, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda, Camperdown Botanic Gardens.Mont De Lancey in Yarra Valley, and Coolart Homestead in Somers.

This year, Matt Young, who has been with Ozact Theatre Company for 16 years, helms the production as director and in the role of Oberon.

“For our 30th anniversary, we wanted as classic production to celebrate with our audience,” he said.

“Midsummer is one of Shakespeare’s most performed plays, with good reason, and the play’s magical and environmental aspects are uniquely suited to what we do.

“The play also contains great emotional depth, and I’m thankful I have such a talented cast to bring all the aspects of the piece to life.”

In her debut season with Ozact Theatre Company, Kim Devitt is the courageous and honourable yet impulsive Hermia.

“After being blown away by Ozact Theatre Company’s hilarious production of As You Like It last year, I could not believe my luck when I was invited to audition for A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” she said.

“The team are welcoming, supportive and clearly passionate about bringing Shakespeare’s work to audiences across Victoria.

“It has quickly become clear to me that Ozact brings an outstanding level of talent, expertise, professionalism and fun to everything they do.”

Ozact’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at Geelong Botanic Gardens on January 18 and January 19.

For more information and tickets, head to ozact.com