A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Seasonal Festivals in New Orleans

New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural tapestry, embraces the enchanting world of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through various seasonal festivals and performances. This timeless play, filled with love, confusion, and magical transformations, resonates deeply with the local community, as it is celebrated and adapted to reflect the unique character and history of New Orleans.

TL;DR

• The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University presents an annual production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” incorporating local talent and modern theatrical innovations.
• The play’s themes are interwoven with New Orleans‘ cultural events, including local school programs and community collaborations.
• Performances take place in iconic venues like the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, enhancing the experience with the city’s natural beauty and artistic ambiance.

Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University

The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University has become a beloved annual event in New Orleans, drawing theatre enthusiasts from near and far. What began as a small academic gathering has evolved into a major cultural event, showcasing not only “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” but also other Shakespearean plays. The festival has grown over the years, integrating modern elements such as multimedia productions and advanced theatre technology to enhance the audience’s experience.

One of the highlights of the festival is the performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Directors and actors bring the magical and whimsical elements of the play to life, often incorporating local cultural references or historical influences. For example, some adaptations have featured a 1930s Art Deco style or musical influences from the legendary composer Cole Porter, who spent time in New Orleans.

The festival takes place annually in June, with performances held at various venues across the Tulane University campus. Tickets range from $20 to $50, depending on the performance and seating location. For more information, visit the festival’s website at [www.neworleansshakespeare.org](http://www.neworleansshakespeare.org) or contact the box office at (504) 865-5105.

Cultural Impact and Local Engagements

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has become a tool for cultural expression in New Orleans, with its themes of love, confusion, and transformation resonating strongly with local audiences. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the play’s message of resilience and the power of imagination has taken on a special significance for the community.

Local schools and educational programs have embraced the play as a teaching tool, using it to foster a deeper appreciation for the performing arts among young people. Grant funding has played a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, ensuring that the next generation of New Orleanians has the opportunity to engage with Shakespeare’s timeless works.

Collaborations between different theatre groups have further enriched the city’s theatrical scene. For example, the NOLA Project, a local theatre company, has partnered with Tulane University to bring Shakespeare to wider audiences through free outdoor performances in parks and public spaces.

Iconic Venues and Performances

One of the most enchanting settings for performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This picturesque outdoor venue, with its lush greenery and stunning sculptures, provides a magical atmosphere that perfectly complements the play’s whimsical nature. Organizing outdoor theatre events in this space requires careful planning and logistics, but the result is an unforgettable experience for both actors and audience members.

The unique landscapes of New Orleans, from its lush gardens to its historic squares, are often utilized to create the enchanting settings crucial to the play. These venues are transformed into the magical forest and other key locations, immersing the audience in the world of the play.

Over the years, there have been many notable adaptations of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in New Orleans. Some have incorporated local music styles, such as jazz or zydeco, while others have set the play in specific historical periods or woven in references to significant local events. These innovative approaches showcase the creativity and ingenuity of the city’s theatre community.

The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is located at 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124. Performances are typically held in the evening, with start times ranging from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission to the sculpture garden is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 7. For more information, visit the museum’s website at [www.noma.org](http://www.noma.org) or call (504) 658-4100.

New Orleans Botanical Garden

Another popular venue for outdoor performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park. This 12-acre garden features a variety of themed spaces, including the Shakespeare Garden, which is filled with plants and flowers mentioned in the Bard’s works. Performances here often incorporate the natural surroundings, with actors making entrances and exits through the garden’s winding paths.

The New Orleans Botanical Garden is located at 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119. Performances are usually held in the spring and fall, with start times around 7:00 PM. Admission to the garden is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children ages 5-12. For more information, visit the garden’s website at [www.neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden](http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden) or call (504) 483-9488.

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré

In addition to these outdoor venues, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is also performed at various indoor theatres throughout the city. The Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the United States, has staged several notable productions of the play over the years. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, this intimate theatre provides a unique setting for Shakespeare’s works.

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré is located at 616 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Performances are typically held in the evening, with start times ranging from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Ticket prices vary depending on the production and seating location, but generally range from $30 to $60. For more information, visit the theatre’s website at [www.lepetittheatre.com](http://www.lepetittheatre.com) or call (504) 522-2081.

Conclusion

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has become an integral part of New Orleans’ cultural landscape, with its themes and magic resonating deeply with local audiences. Through the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University, educational outreach programs, and collaborations between theatre companies, the play continues to inspire and engage the community.

The unique venues where the play is performed, from the enchanting Besthoff Sculpture Garden to the historic Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, add to the overall experience, immersing audiences in the world of the play. With each new adaptation and interpretation, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” remains a beloved and enduring part of New Orleans’ rich theatrical tradition.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor to the city, experiencing a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in one of New Orleans’ iconic settings is an unforgettable experience. So, the next time you find yourself in the Big Easy, be sure to check out one of these enchanting productions and let yourself be transported to the magical world of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy.