The name of Shakespeare’s revered A Midsummer Night’s Dream conjures up images of fairies, magic, enchantment, and fantasy. Synetic Theater’s wordless rendition of this classic play wondrously brings these visions to life, ingeniously conveying the timeless story solely through movement and original music, showcasing a soaring score by resident composer Konstantine Lortkipanidze. Spectacularly directed by Paata Tsikurishvili (who, with Ben Cunis, also created the adaptation), Synetic’s unique version of this Shakespearean classic is a visual feast that continues to amaze audiences more than 15 years after its debut.
Set in Athens, A Midsummer Night’s Dream tells several stories of events surrounding the marriage of Theseus (Duke of Athens) and Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons). The first involves a conflict among four lovers: Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena. While Lysander and Hermia are in love, Hermia is being pursued by Demetrius, who broke up with Helena to be with her. Meanwhile, Helena is trying to reclaim Demetrius’ heart, and she faces unrequited love from him along the way.
Amid this quarrel, The Mechanicals, a troupe of players led by Quince, a carpenter, and Bottom, a weaver, are rehearsing a production of Pyramus and Thisbe to be performed at Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding. The Mechanicals and the four lovers find themselves engrossed in the woodland home of the fairies, led by Fairy King Oberon and Queen Titania. Oberon’s jester, Puck, causes mischief throughout the play, significantly influencing the course of events through his pranks and antics.
Tony Amante (Lysander), Irinka Kavsadze (Hermia), Camille Pivetta (Helena), and Jacob Thompson (Demetrius) each gave riveting performances. The quartet expertly conveyed the tug-of-war among the lovers through thrilling fight illustrations and intense countenances, demonstrating extraordinary dramatic finesse. Amante presented a powerful acrobatic routine in which he literally ran through walls, impressively executed with split-second timing and precision. Rachael Small (Titania) and Philip Fletcher (Oberon) each carried themselves with a regal stage presence, and this duo truly embodied their roles through their stately mannerisms.
Puck was vivaciously played by Stella Bunch, who exhibited astonishing gymnastics and perfectly expressed the character’s mischief through her animated demeanor. Vato Tsikurishvili’s characterization of Quince was particularly noteworthy, and his hilarious facial expressions and physical comedy elicited explosive laughter from the audience throughout his sketches. The Mechanicals were enthusiastically portrayed by Irakli Kavsadze (Bottom), Kaitlyn Shifflett (Flute), Chris Galindo (Snug), Lev Belolipetski (Snout), Aaron Kan (Verges), and Konstantine Lortkipanidze (Starveling). This gifted ensemble displayed flawless comedic timing, and their slapstick antics were exceptionally entertaining.
Irina Tsikurishvili’s elaborate choreography contributed tremendously to the success of the show’s silent storytelling, and her sequences encompassed circus arts, ballet, contemporary, and a multiplicity of other dance styles. Tsikurishvili’s opening sequence, staged in total darkness and illuminated only by tiny light bulbs held by the fairies, was visually stunning, and this introduction to the world of the fairies was artistically brilliant. Anastasia Rurikov Simes exquisitely designed the lavish costumes, which depicted glittering fairy outfits, flowing wedding gowns, and ornate royal regalia. Rurikov Simes also created the sets for the show, and her splendid conception of the moon as both a glowing and three-dimensional set piece was a highlight.
Synetic Theater’s staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a theatrical marvel in every sense. Since there is no dialogue, it is strongly recommended that those who are unfamiliar with the plot read a summary of the play ahead of time. The company’s trademark nonverbal presentation emphasizes the fact that theater is a universal language. This one-of-a-kind experience is well worth the trip to Olney Theatre Center. Patrons are sure to be enthralled by this inventive and unforgettable journey.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays through August 10, 2025, presented by Synetic Theater performing on the Roberts Mainstage at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD. Tickets ($41–$101) can be purchased online, by calling the box office at 301-924-3400, or at TodayTix. Discounts for students, seniors, military, veterans, first responders, and educators are available here. Regular performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays evenings at 7:30 pm; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday matinees at 1:30 pm.
A digital program is online here and a synopsis is downloadable here.
The cast and creative credits are here (scroll down).
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Ben Cunis and Paata Tsikurishvili
Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili
Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili
CAST
Stella Bunch (Puck), Rachel Small (Titania), Philip Fletcher (Oberon), Kim-Anh Nguyen (Hippolyta), Chris Galindo (Theseus/Snug), Camille Pivetta (Helena), Jacob Thomson (Demetrius), Tony Amante (Lysander), Irinka Kavsadze (Hermia), Emma Ruckh (Peaseblossom), Kaitlyn Shifflett (Flute/Fairy), Irakli Kavsadze (Bottom/Egeus), Koki Lortkipanidze (Starveling), Vato Tsikurishvili (Quince), Lev Belolipetski (Snout), and Aaron Kan (Verges).
CREATIVE TEAM
Koki Lortkipanidze (Original Music and Sound Design), Anastasia Rurikov Simes (Original Set, Costumes, and Properties Design), Andrew Griffin (Lighting Design), Channing Tucker (Associate Costume Designer), and Dean Leong (Associate Lighting Designer).
