Monday, October 23, 2017

What do the Mechanicals intend to do?

The Mechanicals want to put on a play that will impress the nobles at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Performing at the wedding is a big coup for any group of performers. The Rude Mechanicals, as they're called, aren't actors by trade. Instead, they're skilled laborers who don't have much experience with playwriting or acting; they also don't seem like the most clever characters. Because of this, the version of Pyramus and Thisbe they're attempting to put on is a bit ridiculous.
When Theseus chooses to watch Pyramus and Thisbe, it's every bit as silly and unlike the real play as the audience expects it to be by that point. However, the actors are funny enough that the audience appreciates the play as a comedy and everyone has a lovely time. The actors and the wedding party are satisfied.

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