William Shakespeare, known as the Bard of Avon, is famous for writing poems and plays (histories, comedies, and tragedies) and acting during the Elizabethan Period (1558-1603). Shakespeare was associated with several acting companies; The Queen's Men, Pembroke's Men, Lord Strange's Men, and Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later changed to “The King's Men” after King James I took over in 1603). In a sense he was a freelance actor and writer.

During the “Lost Years” (1585 to 1592) no records of Shakespeare exist. During this time no plays were written and it is commonly believed he was either a teacher or running from the law. When Shakespeare showed up again in history, he went back to writing plays and acting in them. However, his work in theater temporarily ended in 1593 when the plague closed most public gatherings, thought to spread the disease.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, written somewhere between 1595 and 1596, is one of Shakespeare's earlier comedies. It is commonly believed this play was written as light entertainment to be performed during the celebration of an upper-class marriage. Midsummer is noteworthy because Shakespeare did not rely on any historical writings, poems, plays, or any other public pieces for his themes: It is an original piece.

Until recently, the play as a performance piece has been distained, drastically altered, or completely ignored. Midsummer in its entirety was performed rarely during the Restoration period and not at all in the eighteenth century. For example, it was adapted as an opera libretto, but was not performed as a play. Although considered insignificant and pointless by many modern critics, the play is currently gaining more respect for the creative drive behind it and its message that nature and mankind are linked. Though not considered Shakespeare’s greatest play, audiences worldwide enjoy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.