A Midsummer Night's Dream (Stage Play Review)
By Chie Credo - Saturday, September 07, 2019
Xavier Stage (TXS) brings to us the
adaptation of William Shakespeare’s well-loved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It conveys together Shakespeare’s
masterful plot, the mystique and vibrancy of the pre-Islamic Maranao
culture, and the depth and playfulness of the Cebuano language together in one
beautifully woven piece of art. The language connection is feature filling in
Shakespeare’s plot with native. It uses the Cebuano language intricately and
artfully with all those poetic forms, yet it is so carefully chosen that
it doesn’t alienate modern speakers, thus breaking down the barriers that
hinder our connection to the full range of emotion the story tells. Add to
that, the ancient Maranao culture and folklore added the depth and connection
that brings us closer to home. With all these elements brought together, the
adaptation, instead of coming up with a jumble of a play, breaks down the
complex truths, details, and emotions and rearranges it into a simpler
experience, which made it completely fascinating.
The transition from one
act to the next were handled very well and everything looks very professionally
done. The use of live Maranao instruments to both accent high parts of the play
and aid in transition between acts is vibrant. The cast were chosen carefully
and did fit the roles. The use of the Moon as central connector across all
scenes is brilliant. The lights shift to different hues as the scene changes,
which aids in telling the story better. The costumes were bright and colorful,
and together with the props, it is indeed a visual treat.
The comic relief of the
entire play and the final scene on the Sultan’s wedding day brought the house
down to laughter and applause.
