Jubilant: Cast and crew of the theatre production celebrate their success

The fairies dance for their Queen

Javad (kneeling) keeps the audience in stitches as the comical Francis Flute

Benji Wong and Adeline Chua in an intense scene as Oberon and Titania

Sheldon Andre Sequerah as Puck tricks Hermia (Gerina Wong) in one of the scenes

Michelle Hiew (right) as the unforgettable character of Nick Bottom

Kuala Lumpur, 26 March 2010 - Midsummer Night’s Dream, the popular play written by William Shakespeare in the 1600’s today experienced a revival by UCSI University’s English Literature students. The play, which the students have begun preparing for months in advance was staged at the University’s auditorium, packed with students and members of the public. Proceeds from the play went to a good cause, the Selangor and Federal Territory Association for the Mentally Handicapped.

The protagonist of the play, Puck, was given an interesting twist by Sheldon Andre Sequerah, while Benji Wong Zheng Yang and Adeline Chua gave superb performances as Oberon and Titania. The role of the comical and memorable Nick Bottom was also well dramatized by Michelle Hiew Siau Ling, who turned into a donkey midway through the play, and became the object of Titania’s affection after she was bewitched by Puck. Another character during the play was Francis Flute, played by Javad Toraby, who dressed up as a woman, much to the audience’s delight.

Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works, which addresses the timeless themes of unrequited love, jealousy and deceit. A comedy of errors, the play spins its characters into a tale of mistaken identities, love potions and mischievous fairies.

The entire production for the play was organised by English Literature students, from the set design to the lighting and sound system. Preparations began early in the year, with rehearsals done almost daily.

In attendance was the Dean of the Faculty of Music, Social Sciences and Design, Dr. Irene Tan Ai Lian. “This theatre production is a good showcase of students’ talent through language and its use in a contemporary context,” she said.

Diane Tan, a lecturer at the UCSI English Academy who watched the play, concluded it the best, “William Shakespeare after all, should be seen and not read.”