FRINGE 2015: A Nightmare for Oberon

A Nightmare for Oberon asks the question “what happens when Shakespeare's women collide?”

Written by Toronto-born Concordia student Julie Foster, the script is the strongest part of the production. The worlds of Faerie Queen Titania, Hamlet's Ophelia, and the Lady Macbeth collide in a magical forest, and through the lens of Shakespeare we are presented arguments around gender, sexuality and femininity.

While the story is strong and compelling, the actors seemed to lack a true emotional connection to the text. In her opening monologue, Ophelia cries out “Cut me, make me bleed!” but her words are not connected to any kind of true emotional turmoil.

While the idea behind the play seems to be an honest look at raw female emotion, there is a lack of true vulnerability in the performances. This seems to be a re-occurring problem in a lot of theatre. Audiences are no longer interested in representational acting and are impatiently waiting for the teachers at arts institutions to get the memo. Or maybe I just don't 'get' theatre?

The script, though strong, does have room for more development. Either the writer, director, or both, seemed to be unsure if this play was a comedy or a drama. Nadia Verrucci brought the strongest emotional connection to her portrayal of Lady Macbeth, but whenever the character appeared the mood of the play changed dramatically, making her look out of place. There were meek attempts at physical comedy which have room for much more development, and more emotional truths could turn this play into a true “dramedy”.

I would recommend this show to anyone who is a fan of Shakespeare's works, especially any of these three characters, but also, to anyone interested in the future of Canadian theatre. The work is an accomplishment for Julie Foster, who shows great talent as a writer and has a passion for creating interesting parts for women.

Presented by Hopegrown Productions, A Nightmare for Oberon plays at the Rialto Theatre Piccolo at 5723 ave. du Parc (Venue OFF-E) until June 20th 2015 at the following times:

  • 8:30pm – Every weekday (Monday to Friday)
  • 2:30pm – Every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) except June 17th.

-----

Sarah Stupar is part of CJLO's Official Fringe Team covering the sights and sounds from the 2015 St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival.

She also hosts Best of The West every Thursday afternoon from 2 - 3pm, only on 1690AM in Montreal and online at CJLO.com.

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @somegirl514.