Outback Dreaming: The McDonald College Reimagines Shakespeare’s Classic
Earlier this year, The McDonald College brought Shakespeare’s fantastical world to the rugged heart of Australia with a bold and breathtaking reinterpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by McDonald College’s own Romy Bartz and Greg Friend, both seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience, this imaginative production fused Elizabethan verse with the dust and drama of a Queensland cattle station, offering a Shakespearean experience unlike any other.
With a cast of 21 actors and four musicians, the production marked a significant milestone for the College, bringing Shakespeare to life while giving students from acting and music streams the chance to collaborate in a new way. The result was a richly layered, immersive experience where Australia’s heat, landscape and cultural tensions breathed new life into an age-old tale.
Rewriting the Rules—Bush Style
"This isn’t your typical fairy tale,” says Romy Bartz. “It’s a story of love, power and environmental upheaval.”
Set against the backdrop of a Queensland cattle station, the production cast the Athenian court as a world governed by strict tradition and patriarchy, while the forest—now a lush, wild rainforest—became a realm of transformation and rebellion. The Australian bush took centre stage, embodying both conflict and renewal.
Quoting Titania, Bartz explained how the natural environment itself became a character: “…we see the seasons alter: the spring, The summer, the childing autumn, angry winter…”
These words, she noted, symbolised the upheaval of both nature and the human heart. “The play opens with the potential for tragedy,” she said, “but by the end, everyone emerges mostly unscathed—and perhaps a bit braver.”
The rehearsal process mirrored the journey of the characters—one of growth, adaptation and joy. “Each student gradually opened their heart and soul to the work. It was a joy to watch it develop, adapt and transform in rehearsal.”
Head of Acting Greg Friend reflected on the experience as a richly creative one. “It was a wonderful mix of laughs, surprising discoveries and numerous magical moments,” he said. He praised the students for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the journey. “It’s been a joy to see them grow as actors and collaborators.”
The characters of Puck and Bottom drew big laughs from audiences—proof that Shakespeare’s comedy still lands when delivered with heart and guts.
The live music, created and performed by music students under the guidance of Head of Music Lucy Bermingham, added an extra dimension of atmosphere—haunting in the rainforest scenes, jovial for the local performers’ antics. “We wanted the music to feel grounded in the land, but also magical,” said one of the student musicians.
A Magical Run Adapted for the Road
After four sold-out performances at the College in early June, the production was adapted for the road. With minimal changes to its staging and design, the team packed up their Queensland cattle station and rainforest, taking it to Wagga Wagga in July, as part of The McDonald College’s first-ever regional tour.
Performing for schools and the wider Wagga community, the cast and crew shared their uniquely Australian take on Shakespeare with new audiences. The tour marked a major achievement for the Senior Acting and Music Streams—an experience that deepened their confidence, professionalism and passion for performing.
Lara, one of the student actors, captured the spirit of the production perfectly: “When you ask people, ‘What’s the first word that comes up when you think of Shakespeare?’ they immediately think of ‘boring’ and ‘ancient.’ This play is the opposite—fantabulous!”
To find out more about The McDonald College, visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
The McDonald College is holding an Open Day on Thursday, July 31, 2025, starting at 9:30 am. The event is for families interested in Kindergarten through Year 12, particularly those with a strong interest in performing arts or performance sports.
