To Read & To Write

Three different groups are presented in this classic comedic play by William Shakespeare. The mortals - which include Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena - are wrapped up in their own lives, loves, and relationships with one another. Then there is a second group of mortals, but they are actors in the works of putting on a performance/play. These actors are Peter Quince, Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Snug, Tom Snout, and Robin Starveling. The third group consists of the playful, mischievous fairies: Titania, Robin, Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed, Philostrate, and Oberon. The whole story takes place in the forest - during midsummer - and includes equal parts sleeping, dreaming, and being awake. While the humans discuss their affairs and troubles, the fairies watch in secret and take notes, and, in their true spirit, decide to do a bit of tinkering with regards to the angel of love, Cupid. When the humans, such as Lysander and Hermia, are asleep ...