A modernized and queer reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, my production re-imagined the iconic lovers as a gay and lesbian couple.  First premiered at the cell in Chelsea in 2011, this very successful adaptation was remounted in 2012 at the award-winning Theater for the New City.  This re-imagination of Shakespeare’s original reframed the central conflict to promote marriage equality and explore issues of gender and power in modern America.  The production was timed to perform concurrently with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York State.  The production received great critical and audience acclaim.

"A forest of sexual fetishes; two gay marriages and a cross-dressing Titania and Oberon."

--Pia Catton, The Wall Street Journal

“Time Out NY Critics’ Pick! Don’t miss The Hive’s top-notch cross-gender take on Shakespeare’s forest farce.” 

--Time Out New York

“…it is easily the most persuasive and compelling Midsummer of the dozen I have seen."

--Show Business Weekly

“Director Matthew A.J. Gregory deserves praise for his ground-breaking interpretation of this play… A MUST SEE!”

--nytheatre.com

“The timing of this gender-bending version of Shakespeare's ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ couldn't be  more appropriate given New York State's recent legislation for same-sex marriage.”

--Back Stage Magazine

“From the moment the lights go down, it is evident that this is not your 10th grade English class' Shakespeare…a unique adaptation”

--Broadway World

“Immensely enjoyable…with wit and wicked imagination, director Matthew A.J. Gregory challenges marriage inequality”

--The Advocate