The Desultory Theatre Club will present a “Secret Shakespeare” production of the romantic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on August 25 and 26 at 6pm and 8 pm at Whiting Mills Artist Studios, 100 Whiting Street in Winsted, CT.

“’Secret Shakespeare’ is a unique and immersive event.

Within the iconic Whiting Mills, a Victorian New England mill-turned-arts-community along the Still River, theatergoers will explore the bard’s beloved masterpiece. Deconstructed, re-interpreted and put back together in different spaces throughout this amazing venue, “tour guides” will lead audiences on a journey, transporting each audience member into a land shaped by Shakespeare’s text and visualized in new ways by an all-star cast involving five performance arts groups.

The award winning Backyard Theatre Ensemble (of Cheshire and Thomaston) will be directed by Lucia Dressel who was recently was named “Best Director” in the 2017 OnStage Theatre Awards for her work on “The Diary of Anne Frank” in Thomaston.

The popular puppet crew, Elmwood Productions from Bristol, will present a special interpretation under the direction of Rick Passmore.

Shipwreck Theatre Company was formed from Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College and will be directed by Guilford’s Ashley Malafronte.

Sova Theater of Ridgefield, CT is under the direction of the dancer, puppeteer and director Adelka Polak who is an artist in residence at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

Keith Paul, co-executive Director of this “Secret Shakespeare” production, will direct actors of the Desultory Theatre Club.

Those in attendance will also enjoy the tasty treats of some of Connecticut’s culinary masters including Amanda Bakes of Morris, CT; Good Company Coffee House of Torrington, CT; BMack’s Snack Attack of Norfolk, CT; and First Act Bakery of Torrington, CT.

Tickets are $20.00. Due to the special nature of this event, limited tickets are available; ordering tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at:

Ticket link – https://ssmidsummer.eventbrite.com

This project was made possible with the support of a Regional Initiative Grant, a program of the CT Office of the Arts/DECD, administered by the NW CT Arts Council.s