Nygel D. Robinson to Score HERO Theatre Shakespeare Production
The composer will create original music for a modern-verse version of A Midsummer Night's Dream arriving in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Composer Nygel D. Robinson will develop original music for a new HERO Theatre production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which is set to premiere in Los Angeles in fall 2027. The project will feature a modern-verse translation and debut at the Los Globos venue in Silver Lake.
Why it matters
This production aims to revitalize classic Shakespearean works for modern audiences by blending contemporary musical styles with updated verse translations. The partnership with Play On Shakespeare continues HERO Theatre’s focus on reimagining major plays for local communities.
The production includes a dedicated 1-hour school adaptation designed for educational outreach. This follows the company's 2023 staging of Much Ado About Nothing.
The players
Nygel D. Robinson
He is an accomplished composer selected to create the original musical score for the upcoming Shakespeare production.
HERO Theatre
This Los Angeles-based organization focuses on producing innovative theatrical performances and educational outreach programs.
Elisa Bocanegra
She serves as the director for this production, overseeing the artistic vision and the integration of the modern-verse translation.
Diana Burbano
She acts as the production dramaturg, providing critical research and text analysis for the modernized script.
Play On Shakespeare
This organization partners with theaters to promote the creation and performance of modern-verse translations of Shakespeare's plays.
The details
Director Elisa Bocanegra and dramaturg Diana Burbano are leading the project, which utilizes a modern-verse translation created by the company's artistic ensemble. The original score by Robinson is intended to transform the performance space into a nightclub atmosphere.
Timeline
HERO Theatre adapted Much Ado About Nothing in 2023.
A one-hour school adaptation of the play is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.
The full production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will premiere in fall 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This production aligns with the broader push by organizations like Play On Shakespeare to utilize modern-verse translations to keep classical theater relevant. It mirrors a growing trend among regional companies to adapt Shakespearean works for specific cultural and geographic contexts.
Families and students in Silver Lake will have access to a concise one-hour version of the play starting in the spring of 2027. The staging at Los Globos provides a unique opportunity for local residents to experience classical theater in an immersive nightclub-style setting.
The takeaway
Bringing classical works into modern, accessible environments helps maintain interest in live theater among younger generations. Implementing these specialized versions ensures that Shakespeare remains a vibrant part of local arts programming.
Further reading
Find more upcoming youth and community performances on our Children’s Theater page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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