On March 31st, my class attended a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Nexus Theatre in Pompei, performed by the The Frogs Theatre Company.
This version of William Shakespeare’s comedy was presented as a modern musical, full of humor, pop culture references, music, and engaging choreography. The actors also interacted with the audience, making us feel part of the show.
The primary protagonists are the four Athenian lovers—Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena—whose romantic conflicts drive the plot. In this adaptation, their story becomes even more lively: the two couples fall under a magical spell and are dragged into a world of dreams, confusion, and madness. The play shows that love can be chaotic and irrational, but also the most powerful force of all.
The company brought the classic into a contemporary setting, mixing modern English with Shakespearean language. This made the story easier to understand and more enjoyable for students.
Personally, I really liked the performance because it was fun, dynamic, and different from the usual idea of theatre. As a student, I found it interesting and engaging, and it helped me see Shakespeare in a new way.
In conclusion, this adaptation was both entertaining and meaningful, proving that even a classic can still speak to young audiences today. As Shakespeare wrote, “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.”
Angelo Maria Avvisati
