Mighty Morphin Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Actors’ Gang

 The Actors’ Gang continues its tradition of bringing free theatre for multi-generational families every weekend in August at Media Park (adjacent to The Ivy Substation) with Mighty Morphin Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by the company’s Co-Artistic Director, Cynthia Ettinger. Since 2006, over 20,000 people of all ages have enjoyed 11 free adaptations of Shakespeare with a pop culture twist. This summer, in conjunction with Culver City’s Centennial, the Free Shakespeare-in-the-Park for Families will feature a Power Rangers take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Every Saturday and Sunday in August, families are invited to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and picnics, and enjoy a Shakespeare adaptation. This year’s show brings together the 90’s classic television series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the purpose of inspiring and introducing children to the work of Shakespeare by retelling his stories through the voices of children’s favorite superheroes.

“This project is really dear to me because it is such a creative and engaging way to make theatre accessible to children around the age when it’s a challenge to raise their interest in classical literature. Part of The Actors’ Gang mission is to serve our community by providing free, affordable theatre and the fact that we can get the whole family out together in one place and pay attention to Shakespeare makes me feel so honored to be able to direct these shows for the past 7 years,” said Ettinger.

Anyone who wishes to attend the show is invited to come to Media Park with a blanket or a lawn chair every weekend in August, at 11:00 am. No tickets or reservations are needed. Each performance is followed by a popsicle celebration where the audience can meet (and take selfies with) the characters.

Community members and companies wishing to support this free series are encouraged to make a financial or in-kind contribution (The Actors’ Gang is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization). This production is supported in part by a Culver City Performing Arts Grant with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and an award from The National Endowment for the Arts.