Show includes mix of community and student actors
Published in the Aug. 5-18, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Odyssey performers rehearse for “A Midsummers Night’s Dream” that will be performed at 8 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, 14, and 15 at Christopher High School in Gilroy. For more information, visit www.odysseytheatre.org.
Photo courtesy Odyssey Theatre
The comical characters of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will come magically to life under South Valley stars with four shows at Gilroy’s Christopher High School performed by the Odyssey Theatre Company. The fantasy farce of romance is one of the Bard’s most popular plays, and audiences are encouraged to bring picnic while enjoying the show.
Dennis Beasley serves as the producer of Odyssey’s version “Dream.” A resident of downtown Morgan Hill, he has been involved with theater productions on both coasts. Currently he serves as an adjunct faculty member at Gavilan and Hartnell community colleges, instructing students in the theater arts.
Morgan Hill Life asked Beasley to describe how he perceives the theater arts blooming in the South Valley region.
How is Odyssey Theatre evolving as a semi-professional regional company — especially as it brings in classics such as Shakespeare to local audiences?
Odyssey is looking to bring in professional artists and staff to direct, design and build our shows. We believe that using experienced directors and designers makes all the difference in the quality of the performance. Odyssey has always used a mix of community and student actors with an occasional pro to make up our casts. As we grow, we are looking to bring in more and more professional artists to continually raise the bar.
Why might “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” serve as a good way for people — especially young people — to get a fun introduction to the Bard?
People forget that Shakespeare was an entertainer of the masses in his time. His plays are for everyone. The themes are universal, very accessible and in this case, very funny. The language can feel foreign, but five minutes into a Shakespeare play, your ears and brain adjust. The humor ranges from witty to downright bawdy, and I bet the audience will get every joke.
As producer of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” how would you describe Kate Booth’s “take” on the story (with it being set at an Athenian boarding school)?
I think Kate’s take just helps to illuminate the story and make it that much more accessible. What better way to tell the story of impetuous young lovers rebelling against the older than to set it in a school where we can easily see the conflicts between parents/teachers and the children/students. Also, using very stereotypical teacher-types as the mechanicals is just funny. I think we can all laugh at the idea of blundering teachers putting on a play. I mean, just picture your PE coach and history teacher trying to play a love scene!
Odyssey started out as an educational theater through the Gilroy Foundation, but it’s evolved into a more professional company. What was the history behind the decision?
Odyssey has always been a company that values quality and has always tried to raise the bar with the quality of the shows. Part of the evolution has been to fill a void. There are many groups in the area that each have their own niche, so Odyssey is creating its own place in the community by doing plays and musicals that other groups aren’t doing. We are looking to produce re-imagined classics and edgy material that does not get performed as much in this area.
How might you encourage Morgan Hill residents to get involved with Odyssey as an audience member, a performer or a sponsor? What benefits does Odyssey Theatre provide the Morgan Hill community?
Of course, Odyssey is a great place for a Morgan Hill resident to come see a play. The Christopher High Amphitheater and Black Box Theatre are on the north side of Gilroy only 10 to 15 minutes away from Morgan Hill. We are also always on the lookout for talent. Odyssey has brought in actors from all over the region — from Carmel and Monterey all the way up to San Jose and, of course, from Morgan Hill. We are also always looking for sponsors and co-producers. Our last co-producer, Jennifer Hamilton, is a Morgan Hill resident, so Odyssey has definitely always had a connection to Morgan Hill. The easiest ways to follow Odyssey are to check out the webpage from time to time (www.odysseytheatre.org) or find us on Facebook.
