“The play’s the thing” once again on three consecutive nights, October 17, 18 and 19, at The Berkeley Institute Cafetorium when local high schools will present abridged versions of six Shakespeare plays as part of the Bermuda Shakespeare Schools Festival.The line-up this year is pretty up-beat, with the tragedy of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ the odd one out in a series of happy endings. Monday night The Berkeley Institute presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and Saltus Grammar School the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The Tuesday offering is ‘A Comedy of Errors’ staged by Warwick Academy and Somersfield Academy’s ‘Twelfth Night.’ Closing out the run on Wednesday evening are Bermuda High School’s production of ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and ‘The Tempest’ presented by CedarBridge Academy.The mid-summer madness of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ involves two young couples in a wood outside Athens, bumbling actors and fairy magic witty lines, comic situations and mistaken identities make for a hilarious interlude. “A big, tangled love triangle,” is how Champagne Carmichael, who plays Hermia, described it.Sierra Spence is enjoying her role as Helena, another of the lovers. “It’s fun to play,” she stated. “It’s a way different person than my real personality, the way she dotes on Demetrius.”Kyle Webb, who plays Demetrius, said of his role, “There’s some funny parts. It’s a good experience doing Shakespeare for the second time. Last year I was in Saltus doing Hamlet. Being around new people is a good experience.”The mischievous Puck is played by Waverly Moran who describes her character as “very childish.” She added, “I like being able to run around and play pranks on people.”‘Romeo and Juliet’ is the well-known tragic tale of young love thwarted by family rivalry. Saltus student Kyra Hodsol plays Juliet, whom she describes as “very sweet, vulnerable and new to love.” The play, Kyra stated, will resonate with today’s audience “because of the vulnerability which is portrayed. Young children today tend to dream of love, fall quickly and sometimes struggle to make it last.”Her beloved Romeo is played by Marcus Smith, who described his character as “a lover boy.” Elaborating, Marcus explained, “By that I mean he is whipped over Juliet and is willing to do anything to make her happy. That’s is why I like him, because I think if you have someone to call your own, they deserve the best.”Nicholas Bergquist, who plays the mercurial Mercutio, also felt their production, “just the story told in the purest possible way”, would resonate with Bermudian children. “Kids of Bermuda of often struggle with gang conflicts or turf wars (East and West),” he stated. “The conflicts that arise from this are nearly identical to that of Romeo and Juliet. Local kids will definitely be able to relate.”On Tuesday Somersfield Academy will present ‘Twelfth Night’, the tale of the faithful Viola, shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria. In the guise of the youth Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino and woos the lovely Olivia on his behalf. Unfortunately Olivia falls in love with the messenger while the messenger falls in love with her employer. To stir the mix further is Viola’s brother Sebastian, who looks uncannily like his sister. Mistaken identity, cross-dressing, situation comedy, witty lines and duels pepper the plot.Somersfield have given the play a modern twist, Ailey McLeod explained. “It’s set in a school a couple of days before prom night to make it relatable to a modern audience.”“It’s really fun,” she said. “There’s not been a lot of time to rehearse, only two months. We’ve put in a lot of effort, but it doesn’t feel like more work. I think we’re going to do a good job.”Aiyetoro Hinds plays the Duke Orsino, and thinks the audience will enjoy seeing the play from a new perspective. He has found the experience enjoyable and identifies with his character: “He reminds me a bit of myself in a way, because he’s proud, not afraid, outspoken.”The Duke’s love interest, Viola/Cesario, is played by Camila Papdopoulo, who has found the experience interesting. “I’ve never played a boy before. It’s supposed to be funny because the Duke is falling in love with his best friend.” Their production is unusual in that a number of the male roles are actually being played by girls.The second of Tuesday’s double billing is Warwick Academy’s ‘A Comedy of Errors.’ The play has been cast with many familiar faces such as Isabella Arnold, Mathew Wedlich, Anna Dobson, Emma Keane, Katherine Allison and Russel Conyers under the direction of first time director for the Festival, Christian Jones.“The play is mainly about two sets of twins, both called Antipholus and the other Dromio,” explained India Wilson. “Both Dromios are the servants to each Antipholus, but one day one of the Dromios’ speaks with the wrong Antipholus thinking that he is his master and that is where the errors begin. The Dromio characters are very naive and clumsy which links the humour into the comedy. Also the sister of one of the Antipholus’ wife is very ditzy.”“I play the role of one of the Dromios,” India continued, “and I thoroughly enjoy the role because when you are on stage you can feel free to just be a total idiot without having to worry if you have overacted or not acted enough. The only tough part about the show are the lines, especially since it is Shakespeare.”On Wednesday evening two darker plays are presented; though they have happy endings, there are in the opening acts troubling themes. The first three acts of ‘A Winter’s Tale’ presented by BHS, are filled with intense psychological drama, involving the destruction of innocence and the poisoning of friendship through suspicion. The last two acts are comedic; that which was lost is found and all ends happily.CedarBridge Academy’s production, ‘The Tempest’ was inspired by the wreck of the ‘Sea Venture’, and explores themes of freedom, friendship, repentance and forgiveness. The King of Naples and his entourage are shipwrecked on an island inhabited by the magician Prospero and his beautiful daughter Miranda, the lively sprite Ariel and the ugly half-human Caliban. Various plots against the main characters fail thanks to the magic of Prospero and the play ends with repentance and reconciliation.All evenings begin at 7pm. Tickets $10 are available from participating schools and the Bermuda Bookstore. There will be refreshments available for purchase between 6pm and 8.30pm.