Face 2 Face’s ‘Dream’ marks 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death

You probably don’t need reminding that this year marks the 400thanniversary of the death of two of literature’s most towering figures: Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who both shuffled off their mortal coil in April 1616.

But as the row over how best to commemorate the Don Quixote author rages on in Spain, the Face 2 Face English-language theater company in Madrid has moved full steam ahead with its plans to celebrate the life of the great English playwright.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the group’s new innovative family-focused version of Shakespeare’s comedy of star-crossed lovers.

Transporting the action to turn-of-the-20th-century India, it brings an exotic and spiritual touch to the story’s three interweaving strands: a battle between fairy king Oberon and fairy queen Titiana; the adventures of four lovers in a forest; and the antics of a group of amateur actors staging a play.

The production mixes the original Shakespearean prose with modern English and action comedy

The production mixes the original Shakespearean prose with modern English, action comedy, and live music, so that native speakers and learners alike can enjoy its mix of love, confusion, magic and mischief. “Have no fear of Shakespeare!” urges the company, which has more than 15 years of bringing English-language classics to Spanish stages.

Suitable for adults and children aged eight and over, the show runs from Saturday March 12 until Saturday April 23 at the Infanta Isabel Theater on Madrid’s Barquillo street. Tickets are available from the Face 2 Face website.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From March 12 to April 23 at Teatro Infanta Isabel, Calle Barquillo, Madrid (Metro: Chueca). Show starts 5pm. Tickets: http://en.face2faceproductions.com.