Now the Hungry Lion Roars, And the Wolf Behowls the Moon
-Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
As you know, we are gearing up for our performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream August 7 at Ecker’s Apple Farm in Trempealeau. Although it’s hard to pick out a main character in this comedy, Puck stands out as the one who moves the action along with his magic.
Puck is a popular character because of their mischievous ways. We heard Rick Gramlich’s version of Puck a couple weeks ago and Lex Violette will perform them in August. This week, our contributor is Katie Barnett. She is a high school English teacher, aspiring writer, and community theater actor. Each of these jobs requires a little magic too, we think.
Barnett told us, “I learned this monologue for college back in the day. It still speaks to me, not only in context of the play but also as a conspectus of the magical experience of theater - specifically of the moment just before the audience is released back into the "real world”.”
KATIE BARNETT AS PUCK:
THE MONOLOGUE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, ACT V SCENE 2, PUCK
NOW the hungry lion roars,
And the wolf behowls the moon;
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night,
That the graves, all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the churchway paths to glide:
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate's team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic; not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallowed house:
I am sent with broom before
To sweep the dust behind the door.
MORE ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE PROJECT
Our goal for Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project is to collect a library of Shakespearean monologues to share with our community for virtual entertainment while we are still socially distanced. You don’t need to be a professional actor to participate. If you’re inspired and ready to record, great! If you need help selecting your Shakespeare Monologue or getting it recorded, reach out and we’ll help you get the ball rolling. Are you ready to take to the boards once again…virtually?
