SPLaT Fest Teases Hoofed Feet in New Shakespeare Production

SPLaT Fest, a New Orleans-based nonprofit theater company, released a single promotional photograph for its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The image features a pair of hairy feet with hooves and leaves sprouting from the ankles. The company has not identified the character to whom the feet belong.

Julie Generes, the director of the production, issued a brief explanation for the mystery. "You want to know whose feet those are? Buy a ticket," Generes said. "I'll tell you this much: nobody in this forest is entirely what they seem."

SPLaT Fest was founded in Louisiana in 2023 and describes itself as an "in your face" theater company. The group stages Shakespeare plays with a provocative style that welcomes both first-time and seasoned performers. This current production marks the fourth year of the company's partnership with Abita Springs. The production features original poster art by Emily Murray.

The play is set in a forest outside Athens and includes a cast of fairies, the trickster Puck, a group of amateur actors known as the Mechanicals, and four young Athenian lovers. In this specific staging, the fairies are portrayed as ancient, amoral creatures from older folklore. Puck is described as a shape-shifting trickster with a Scottish accent. The Mechanicals are a troupe of earnest amateurs, one of whom undergoes a physical transformation.

Audiences will have the opportunity to view the production at four scheduled outdoor performances. The run opens on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. Subsequent shows are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, all at 5 p.m.

Performances will take place at the Historic Abita Trailhead Museum Amphitheater, located at 22044 Main St., Abita Springs, LA 70420. Adult tickets are priced at $15, while students and seniors aged 60 and older pay $10. Tickets are available online at bontempstix.com/organizations/splat-fest.

Because the venue is outdoors, the company advises attendees to bring their own seating. The production notes that the enchanted forest does not provide furniture. Viewers are also encouraged to pack a warm jacket or blanket in case of cold weather.