We Remember the Fields as Wild

On the last episode of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (aka #Shakespeare’s original rom-com), briefly mismatched lovers Demetrius & Helena finally find their happily ever after. Or do they?😐 @Playground.factory’s sci-fi-tinged, modern-day sequel dismantles the fairytale ending…🧚🏻‍♀️

Forget aristocratic teens lost in the woods; today’s Demetrius is a #litfic #writer & his partner is a #neuroscientist. They’re a happy couple– or so we think….

…The plot focuses on Demetrius, haunted by unsettling dreams featuring a ghostly figure (and puppet) named Puck. The sprite reveals that Helena uses a magical flower (ahem, #druuugs🌸) to keep Demetrius trapped in a cyclical loop where he remains unfailingly in love with her…

This version features a sympathetic, tragic #Demetrius, trapped in a life he doesn’t understand & cannot escape. Helena also receives a multi-layered #makeover as an antagonist emotionally torn between liberating Demetrius from the flower’s influence or keeping him under her control…

…If you’re tasting notes of #manipulation & questionable #consent, we’re with you. The play’s thematic question seems to be one of ambiguity vs. authenticity. Can Demetrius truly consent to a relationship born from false pretenses (ahem, #druuuugs)? Is Helena controlling Demetrius or protecting him? Where are all the other #Midsummer characters? Is this all a product of Demetrius’ imagination, or even, a degenerative brain disease? Call us #QAnon because the theories are conspiring…🧐

…While the plot effectively captures a dreamlike atmosphere (think #KenKesey’s ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’), there are moments where the story seems overly confusing (think #ChristopherNolan’s… everything). At times the question, ‘huh???’ distracts from the cleverly aligned themes & intriguing characters.

Overall, ‘We Remember the Fields as Wild’ ably takes on the challenge of reworking well-known characters. Call it subversive, call it #fanfic, call it a story so ambiguous, it’s still working out what it means. Regardless, we’re predicting a #DarrenAronofsky-style film🤞3/5 ⭐