I’m still stumbling from the high of seeing A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe Theatre. It was, in every way, the most perfect day. The night began in the Globe gift shop, where we bought flower crowns that felt very fitting for the play. While we were there, we spotted the actress who played Mother Courage in the first show we saw at the Globe. I was far too nervous to say hello, but her husband noticed my very obvious dropped jaw and invited me over. Jill, Emmy, and I ended up having a short conversation with her, and she was so kind and warm, which only made her performance as such a gritty character even more impressive.
After that, we were lucky enough to be first in line and secured spots almost perfectly centered at the front of the stage. I went into the play mostly blind, with my only real connection to it being Dead Poets Society, when Neil plays Puck in one of the most beautifully tragic scenes ever. But this version was not at all what I expected. It was lively, bright, modern, and playful, while still holding onto that 16th-century Shakespearean charm.
Standing there at the front of the stage, I felt so much anticipation. I was about to see Shakespeare performed in a replica of his Globe Theatre, and I could hardly believe I was actually there. Then came one of the most magical parts of the night, the hilarious and clever “Nick Bottom” invited me onstage to dance. I was practically shaking as I walked up the stairs. When I turned to face the audience, I took a moment to take it all in… the packed seats, the bustling floor, the excited faces, and the joy of being part of something that made people smile!
It had been a long time since I had been on a stage in front of people (since senior year of high school!) Theatre had been such a huge part of my life then, from One Act to spring musicals, and by senior year I had finally stepped into leading roles. When college began, I told myself I would keep doing theatre, but freshman year became crowded with busyness, pressure, career goals, and resume-building. Somehow, something that had always brought me so much joy got pushed aside.
That is why this moment meant more to me than I can fully explain. Even though it was just a small, silly dance with other audience members, it reminded me of the joy of being onstage and the gift of theatre itself. This was the perfect show for audience engagement. The show invited them not to just witness, but to engage. They asked us to sing, learned our names, shook our hands, brought us onstage, and made us feel like part of the story.
Being so close to the actors at the Globe, I could see every small expression, every glimmer of a smile, and every shift of emotion. It reminded me how powerful theatre can be. Through playing a part, witnessing a story, and feeling what others feel, we gain a deeper understanding of one another. I think that is the heart of theatre, to remind us that we are not alone, that joy and comfort are possible, and that connection can be found with the person standing beside us.
This show brought me an abundance of joy and reminded me of the reason for theatre! Theatre is such a powerful thing, and I just love being in a room with so many people who also feel that passion and allow themselves to be impacted by that power. I already want to go back!
Best,
Siena
Theatre in London U of A 