FLM0583 - Shakespeare: Obra e Crítica (2021)

Sally Jacobs designed a set consisting of a brilliantly-lit white box which replaced the traditional Dream set design of pretty forest and classical Athenian court. The actors wore bright silks and performed circus skills such as plate-spinning and trapeze-swinging, inspired by Chinese acrobats.

By doubling the roles of Oberon and Theseus and those of Titania and Hippolyta (played by Alan Howard and Sara Kestelman), Brook made it clear that the Fairy King and Queen were the alter egos of the mortal rulers. In this way, Brook suggested that the conflicts and erotic adventures of the nocturnal wood were the uncontrollable eruption of subconscious fears and desires.