Gregory Doran Production 2005

Other videos in this series

• A Midsummer Night's Dream (2005) - Act 3 Scene 2

  Watch this extract from the production, filmed on stage in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 2005. Below you'll find links to more video clips where the director and actors discuss issues raised by the extract.

  Act 3 Scene 2

  By mistake, Puck administered the magic flower juice to Lysander instead of Demetrius. In Puck's attempt to undo his mistake, now both Lysander and Demetrius are under the influence of the spell. Both have woken up, seen Helena and declared that they are in love with her.

  This extract begins with Hermia baffled about why Lysander is leaving her. She turns her anger on Helena and has to be restrained by Lysander and Demetrius.

  Lysander - Trystan Gravelle
  Hermia - Sinead Keenan
  Helena - Caitlin Mottram
  Demetrius - Oscar Pearce

• Gregory Doran - Is this scene funny or cruel?

  Director Gregory Doran explains why the lovers are played as people in real relationships, rather than purely comic characters.

• Gregory Doran - Who's who?

  Do you get Helena and Hermia, and Demetrius and Lysander mixed up? Director Gregory Doran describes how he made sure they are distinct, and key ways to tell the difference!

• Sinead Keenan - About Hermia

  Sinead Keenan, who plays Hermia, explains why Helena's comments about her height adds fuel to the heated argument in this scene.

• Oscar Pearce - What happened in rehearsals

  Oscar Pearce, who plays Demetrius, explains how the choreographed movements in the fight evolved during rehearsals.

• Oscar Pearce - Words or weapons?

  Actor Oscar Pearce explains how Lysander is better able to talk his way out of problems, whereas Demetrius has to use threats.