Philomel, with melody

spider web and lilac

You spotted snakes with double tongue, 

Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;

Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong,

Come not near our fairy queen. 

My garden has been shrouded in fog the last couple of days – nature acting as a beguiling muse as I compose incidental music for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

As I enter into my fourth week of rehearsals with the talented crew and company of players at Two Planks and a Passion Theatre, I feel profoundly blessed to be a part of their 2017 summer season. The words, characters and melodies that have lived in my head for months are being brought to life each day in new and remarkable ways.

bleeding hearts

Since my last few posts have focussed on the main stage play, Nothing Less! I thought I’d take a moment to share some of the world of this season’s fireside show, Shakespeare’s,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Each performance will take place around a bonfire on the enchanting, wooded grounds of The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. A perfect setting for the Bard’s classic tale of love, rebellion, fairies and fate.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that the rehearsal hall has been filled with experimentation and excitement ever since the legendary Jim Morrow of Mermaid Theatre stopped by to lend his wisdom and magic. As for my part, I’m doing my best to follow our fearless director, Ken Schwartz’s lead, in composing music that will transport audience members to an otherworldly realm filled with incantations and fairy song.

Hope to see you this summer at the Creek!

People places and things mentioned in this post:

Jim Morrow and Mermaid Theatre

Two Planks and Passion Theatre

 

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