MIDSUMMER FOR HATERS
June 3-18, 2022
The Magnetic Theatre
Asheville NC
Photos by Cheyenne Dancy
Midsummer for Haters was a co-production with The Magnetic Theatre that ran June 3-18, 2022.
Our reconsideration of Shakespeare’s beloved classic comedy began with a question: what do we hate about A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
AUDIENCE REVIEWS
CONCEPT
As a result of our explorations, we developed a production that addressed our pet peeves: the lovers had deep and serious connections, Hippolyta’s journey was centered (and we incorporated portions of her myth left out by Shakespeare – a group of Amazons in disguise came at the end to rescue her from her marriage to Theseus); the mechanicals were a collection of stuffed animals; the fairies were anything but twee.
To make things even wilder and weirder, we created two versions of the show, which ran in rep, exploring sadistic Oberon vs compassionate Oberon; malicious Puck vs. innocent Puck; and more. The actors did not know which version of the show they would be presenting until the first scene of each performance began.
With Zak Hamrick, Christine Hellman, Daniel Henry, Molly Graves, Katie Jones, Erin McCarson, Alex McDonald, Lauren Otis, Jon Stockdale, Haven Volpe, and Paul Vonasek
Directed by Melon Wedick; Set Design by Alice Dodge; Sound Design by Chris Hamilton; Lighting Design by Abby Auman; Costume Design by Christine Caldemeyer; Fight Choreography by Jered Shultz; Stage Management by Jessica Johnson.
DRAMATURGY

I love working with Nemesis. Melon is so committed to creating work that is approachable and accessible to both actors and audience. it makes me happy to be part of good storytelling.
Molly Graves, actor, Midsummer for Haters