Shakespeare under the stars

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If you’ve ever been to one of the MADC’s summertime productions of Shakespeare’s plays, then you will probably know it to be quite a magical experience. Sat there, al fresco and under the stars, listening to the Bard’s words wash over you against the backdrop of the President’s Palace, this is theatre that’s truly unique. It’s no wonder that this annual tradition has survived for 80 years. The first-ever MADC production in San Anton Gardens was performed in 1938 – and because things always have a way of coming full circle – it was the same play as the one to be performed this year, the comedy As You Like It. Back then, as you can imagine, it was a very traditional affair, with period costumes and a focus on the verse itself. Over the years, though, the MADC has updated its offering and this year’s edition will be no different, with more modern costumes and a focus on making the text more accessible and conversational. Leading the production this year is director Philip Leone-Ganado, who is well-known for his portfolio of successful Shakespeare productions, including the popular ‘Shakespeare at the Pub’ series.  For MADC, Philip is leading a fantastic team of actors, including...