Shakespeare meets Cirque du Soleil

By Sandy Irvine

Just when you thought there couldn't be any more twists and turns to a Shakespeare play, Vancouverite Robert Light, actor and director, has found a way-several ways in fact.

What makes this production so different? Well, 18 professional actors, who are busy rehearsing at a rented room at the New Horizons Society on Menzies, will perform "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Holland Point Park. Even with the commanding view of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop, a Shakespeare festival outdoors isn't unusual, you say? True. But imagine said actors in west coast vibe costumes (think Birkenstocks and fleece), while performing Cirque du Soliel-like acrobatics.  Under a hexagonal tent that seats 60, actors will be suspended from wires-in certain key scenes-and floating in slow animation over what is sure to be a captivated audience.

Another way in which audiences are sure to be impressed is the show's final scene. I don't want to give too much away, but sufficed to say, it's gearing up to be spectacular.  Light, a teacher at Stratford since 1979, has offered 40 children aged 8-19 free acting classes-in lieu of the pro bono work children won't be paid. Classes run 5 days a week, divided up into morning and afternoon lessons (younger kids in the morning; older ones in the afternoon), for two weeks prior to opening night-which is August 14. Space is limited and is on a first come first serve basis. And classes are most likely to be held at the New Horizons Society on Menzies.

"It's a way for me to give back to the community that has supported and welcomed me with such open arms," Light said.  It's also a way to introduce children to a live theatre experience and try their chops at Shakespeare.  According to Light, a Shakespearian play usually needs at least an hour of rehearsal for every minute of playing time (a significant part of this is getting accustomed to the prose and language). When you stop to reread that last sentence, allow yourself to ponder the dedication and passion for Shakespeare these people must have.  For the parents who are thinking of signing up, worry not.  I've been assured they won't be put through such rigors. 

And finally, something Shakespeare himself may have been proud of (he was somewhat of a do-gooder, himself). As an incentive to "go green", ticket buyers can get $2 off their ticket price if they leave their car at home, while James Bay residents will get $3 ($2 for leaving the car at home; $1 for being a resident) off their tickets.

Light's long term goal and vision for the future is to build Victoria's Shakespeare by the Sea into a multi-play, yearly festival that would pay professional wages. Actors are now paid by honorarium. 

So, whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast and can quote every line from every play (my mother!), or are just plain curious, or a big old skeptic, or just love the thought of seeing a play out-of-doors, this production promises to entertain.

For more information about the two week classes, or to reserve tickets or general inquires call or email Robert Light at:

778- 440-4686 or robertjlight@hotmail.com

Who: Victoria's Shakespeare by the Sea

What: Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Where: Holland Point Park (500 block of Dallas Road).

When: August 14-September 2, 2012

Time: Every week day evenings at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.

*Price: $15-$25.

*Remember $2 off for those who can show they've not brought a car (there will be parking officials there to direct traffics and to hand out stubs, so no cheating!) And for James Bay residents, same conditions apply regarding "leaving your car @ home", but we an addition $1 off, which equals out to $3 savings off tickets.