A Midsummer Night’s Dream

“Lord what fools these mortals be!”

This spring, Chicago Shakespeare Theater Community Partner A.B.L.E. (Artists Breaking Limits and Expectations) returns to the stage and its classical roots with a multimedia version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, updated for our social-media obsessed times. The modern adaptation by A.B.L.E. teaching artist Emma MacLean focuses on the themes of connection and disconnection. The king and queen of the fairies are fighting, the mechanicals are rehearsing a play but no one knows their lines, and the Athenian teens keep changing their relationship status. Join A.B.L.E.'s ensembles as they wander in the Athenian forest where texts are missed, calls dropped, and love is an emoji away

This multimedia production weaves Shakespeare’s words with original scenes, monologues, songs, and dances devised by our ensembles, as well as animated film sequences from VFX designer Brock Alter. The virtual ensemble will narrate the tale for us in as the in-person ensembles take the stage Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Free Workshop

Before the show, audiencs are invited to participate in a 45-minute interactive workshop with A.B.L.E.'s Creative Associates and Teaching Artists. Experience some of the games and activities A.B.L.E. used to bring their ideas to the stage, get a touch tour of key costume pieces and props, and try A.B.L.E.’s signature “dropping in” method. This exclusive opportunity is only available to 20 ticket holders each day—you’ll have the chance to add the Workshop to your order after adding a performance to your cart.

Saturday, June 10, 5:30 p.m.: Colleen Altman, Kaylie Honkala, Andrew Kosnik Arin Mulvaney, Melanie Zehner
Sunday, June 11, 12:30 p.m.: Rachel Buchanan, Kaylie Honkala, Matt La Chapelle, Arin Mulvaney, Melanie Zehner

Accessibility

• This is a relaxed and sensory friendly performance
• This performance will be open captioned
• This performance will be dual ASL interpreted
• There will be a pre-show touch tour for audience members who are blind/low vision

Can’t attend live? That’s okay! Performances will be available to stream On Demand later in 2023 from ableensemble.com

The Monday Ensemble: Appearing Onstage Saturday, June 10

Actors: Christian Boyd, Sandia Coleman, Martin Conway, Sophie Earvolino, Ryan Foley, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matt Marren, Lucy Walsh
Assistant Stage Manager: Sam Radinsky
Stand-Ins: Matthew Danaher, Claire O’Leary
Facilitators: Chloe Belongilot, Shannon Diegel, Mary Feigenbutz, Erin Nishida, Margaret Sheils, Lindsay Stock, Haley Wolf
Teaching Artists: Braden Cleary & Kiaran Hartnett

The Sunday Ensemble: Appearing Onstage Sunday, June 11

Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Jack Butler, Alena Counter Brown, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Andrew Kosnik, Emily Kwidzinski, Maggie Leal, Jake Solworth, Eric Williams
Assistant Stage Manager: Sam Radinsky
Facilitators: Amy Bahr, Gretchen Goetzman, Megan Gray, Marilyn Halperin, Jo Jennings, Blake Macias, Kate McDuffie, Susan Sjodin
Teaching Artists: Perry Hunt & Katie Yohe

The Virtual Ensemble Appearing Onscreen Both Days

Actors: Rachel Buchanan, Benjamin Collins, Natalia Janik, Fletcher Jones, Matt La Chapelle, Emily Lavin, Mila Medina, Lucas Miezal, Maddi Perez, Tommy Shimoda
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Chelsea Hosler, Erica Johnson, Sorcha Pardoe, Julianne Shea, Polly Yukevich
Teaching Artists: Lawrence Kern & Emma MacLean

More about A.B.L.E.

A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations - is celebrating their 6th anniversary of creating theatre and film projects for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A.B.L.E. engages actors ages 13 and up through performance ensembles, specialized workshops, and outreach programming. Whether in person or online, all A.B.L.E. programs strive to foster agency, and nurture lifelong skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity.  A.B.L.E.'s ensembles have produced more than 25 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from adaptations of theatrical classics by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Gilbert & Sullivan, to original work, to innovative Zoom projects including Romeo & Juliet Remix and the interactive story series Anthology. A.B.L.E.’s feature films have been recognized by several local and international festivals.  By placing people with disabilities in the spotlight, A.B.L.E.’s work strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities. For more information about A.B.L.E., please visit www.ableensemble.com.