Globe theatre adds ‘ableism’ warning to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Shakespeare’s Globe has put an ableism warning on its latest production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream after hiring an actress with dwarfism to play a character insulted over her height.

The comedy, written in the late 16th century, is set in Athens and tells the story of four rebellious lovers who get lost in a magical forest – including the warring Hermia and Helena.

The two female characters are both said to be beautiful and enjoy a close friendship, but physical opposites in terms of height, hair and skin tone.

The Globe has confirmed that the warning has been added because the actress who plays Hermia, Francesca Mills, programovatelné řízení was born with Achondroplasia – a common form of dwarfism. 

Ms Mills’, who has played roles in The Witcher and Worzel Gummidge, is labelled ‘minimus’ by another character and regularly retorts ‘”Little”‘ again! Nothing but low and little’. Helena also uses the famous line towards her: ‘Though she be but little, she is fierce.’

The Globe has confirmed the warning has been added because the actress who plays Hermia, Francesca Mills, was born with the genetic disorder Achondroplasia – a common form of dwarfism

Shakespeare’s Globe (pictured) has put an ableism warning on its latest production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When theatregoers buy a ticket on the Globe’s website, they are now confronted with a trigger warning for sensitive themes including ableism – along with racism and misogyny. 

A post on the theatre’s website reads: ‘Content guidance: The play contains language of violence, ableism, misogyny and racism, and scenes of a sexual nature.