Celebrate the summer solstice by watching this female-led production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGE BY AJ PRIOR
This summer solstice (21 June), gather at the Bush Theatre for a one-night-only, female-led production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Brought to you by Compass Collective, a UK arts charity, the performance will raise money for young refugees and asylum seekers.
The performance taking place at the Bush Theatre is led by Robyn and Charly Faye, twins and emerging theatre-makers. It’ll feature an all-women cast and creative team, reimagining Shakespeare’s fairytale-esque comedy with a focus on transformation, identity and girlhood.
“This play has always been about chaos and enchantment,” says Robyn. “We want to lean into that from a perspective of queer joy, feminist mischief, and chosen family.” The production led by Robyn and Charly has an LGBTQIA+ focus. It aims to highlight the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ refugees, from the persecution they face in their countries of origin to the ongoing discrimination they face in the UK.
“This is also a love letter to the women we create with. They are our community, and our superpower,” adds Robyn, touching on this year’s theme for Refugee Week – community as a superpower.
This is one of many stagings of the play throughout the day, as Compass Collective attempts to break the world record for the most concurrent performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As well as attending the Bush Theatre’s production, members of the public can still take part by holding their own local readings and watch parties. For more information on how to get involved, visit the Compass Collective website.
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
