Bringing the Bard to Bangkok: Marsha Niemeijer’s vision for Shakespeare in Thai

In Episode 40 of Trends, host David Barrett sits down with Marsha Niemeijer, the creative force behind a groundbreaking cultural endeavour in Bangkok—translating and staging Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream entirely in Thai.

Marsha, an award-winning interdisciplinary artist, director and writer, founded the Bangkok Shakespeare Troupe with a bold mission: to bring the Bard’s timeless works to a new audience, in a language that resonates deeply within Thailand’s rich cultural landscape.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Marsha has long been known for her fearless approach to the arts. But this latest venture—a full-scale production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by Thai actors—may be her most audacious yet. “I’ve always been one to ask, ‘How hard could it be?’” she muses, a sentiment that has clearly fuelled her artistic career.

The translation, now the only one of its kind in print, was a labour of love that took Marsha nearly a year to complete. It’s an endeavour she describes as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “Shakespeare’s language is so rich and nuanced. Translating it into Thai was a challenge, but one I was determined to meet head-on,” she explains. With a deep love for Shakespeare’s work, Marsha was eager to collaborate with Thai actors, finding that their enthusiasm and creative spirit mirrored her own.

The Bangkok Shakespeare Troupe, comprised of 14 talented Thai actors and six artists, has embraced Marsha’s vision. Rehearsals have been underway for two months, with the cast fully immersing themselves in the world of Shakespeare, as seen through Marsha’s unique lens. “The actors are fearless and dedicated, each bringing their own creative input to the play,” she says.

As for the production’s design, Marsha remains tight-lipped, but hints at something extraordinary. “I’ve created the character designs, costumes and sets with the help of six artists. It’s like bringing a painting to life,” she says. This out-of-the-box approach is sure to surprise audiences, as Marsha has chosen to transcend traditional English Tudor aesthetics in favour of a style that is both timeless and contemporary.

When asked if there’s a Thai audience for Shakespeare, Marsha is unequivocal. “Absolutely. Shakespeare is well-known here, both among actors and audiences. His stories are universal—funny, romantic, tragic, and ultimately, timeless,” she says. Marsha chose A Midsummer Night’s Dream for its humour and universal themes, believing that it will connect with Thai audiences in a profound way.

Despite the challenges, Marsha remains undaunted. She acknowledges the intimidation that often accompanies performing Shakespeare but insists that it’s a barrier worth breaking. “Shakespeare’s text isn’t scary. It’s rich, engaging and relatable,” she asserts. Her goal is to change the perspective on Shakespeare, making it more accessible and less daunting for Thai audiences.

The production, which will runs for about two hours, stays as true as possible to Shakespeare’s original, though Marsha has made thoughtful adaptations to ensure it resonates with Thai viewers. “There were lines that needed to be adjusted or cut, and others that had to be added to maintain the play’s dynamic and connect with the audience,” she explains.

With the show set to open at the Bangkok Arts & Cultural Center (BACC) on November 12-15, 2024, Marsha is currently seeking sponsors to elevate the production. Tickets are not yet on sale, but when they are, this will be a must-see event for anyone in Bangkok who appreciates the audacity and artistry of bringing Shakespeare to life in a new and exciting way.

Read the full schedule of Trends interviews.