A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S BOLLYWOOD DREAM

Abstract

"A Midsummer's Night Bollywood Dream" An Indian Theatrical interpretation Of A Western Classic Author: Madison Elizabeth Spencer The Indian film industry makes as many if not more films than any other country in the world. However, films produced by the Hindi language cinema industry are often maligned as trashy or third rate by many in the West. The term "Bollywood" itself is often used as a pejorative term when describing the Indian film industry. In my design, I reveal how the Indian cinematic style, coupled with rich Hindu traditions and mythology, can be used to create a brand new look and feel to classical Western theater. I create a production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, using Bollywood inspired costumes, set design, and Hindu traditions. This results in an easily understandable, entertaining, and enjoyable production of an enduringly magical play, transcending place, time and culture.