A Midsummer Night's Dream: Staged: the origins of YA’s greatest tropes

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a Shakespearean romantic comedy about trickery, love triangles, and mistaken identities. STAGED is a limited collection of Shakespeares unabridged plays celebrating the genius of the Bard and the tropes that continue to delight YA readers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2024
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

A Midsummer Night's Dream, penned by the legendary William Shakespeare, is a captivating and whimsical tale of enchantment, love triangles, and mistaken identities. Set in the depths of a forest, the play revolves around the intertwined lives of four young lovers: Hermia, who is in love with Lysander; Helena, who secretly pines for Demetrius; Oberon, the jilted fairy king; and Puck, a mischievous sprite.

As fate would have it, Hermia must marry Demetrius or face a life of confinement in a convent. Determined to escape their impending doom, Hermia and Lysander hatch a plan to elope. However, their happiness is short-lived when Helena, Hermia's best friend, reveals their secret to Demetrius.

In a twist of fate, the four lovers cross paths with Oberon, the jilted fairy king, who is seeking revenge on Titania, his former lover. When Oberon discovers a powerful love-inducing flower, he uses it to manipulate the emotions of the characters, creating a web of confusion and misunderstandings.

As the night unfolds, a series of hilarious and mischievous events take place, leading to a night of magic and mayhem that could change the lives of all involved forever. Puck, with his mischievous spirit, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the chaos, as he uses his magic to transform the lovers into various creatures and objects, causing hilarious confusion and hilarity.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a masterpiece of Shakespearean comedy, combining elements of romance, humor, and fantasy. It explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the power of magic, and has become a beloved classic for generations.

In addition to the original play, STAGED, a limited collection of Shakespeares unabridged plays, has released a new edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream, featuring a foreword by Becky Albertalli, the acclaimed author of "Imogen, Obviously" and "Love, Simon." Albertalli's insights into the themes and characters of the play provide a fresh perspective for young readers and fans of Shakespeare.

The STAGED collection also includes other renowned Shakespearean plays such as "As You Like It," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Much Ado About Nothing." Each play is accompanied by a foreword by a notable YA author, who offers their own insights and perspectives on the timeless themes and characters of Shakespeare's works.

Whether you are a seasoned Shakespearean scholar or a newcomer to his works, the STAGED collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the genius of the Bard and the enduring appeal of his plays. With its beautiful illustrations and engaging forewords, these editions provide a fresh and exciting way to experience the magic of Shakespeare's words.

So, why wait? Explore the STAGED collection today and discover the timeless beauty and wisdom of Shakespeare's plays, as interpreted by some of the most talented YA authors of our time.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241682081