Costumes 

Justine Glanfield’s Vision for A Midsummer Night's Dream

"I was inspired by the idea of the fairies repurposing clothing left behind by the characters – it felt like a natural extension of their connection to the environment. Through their resourcefulness, they remind us that beauty and magic can emerge from reimagining what we already have."

– Justine Glanfield-

In the world of costume design, where creativity and craftsmanship collide, the power of a designer’s vision can transform a stage production into an unforgettable experience. This year, the International School of Hamburg's (ISH) upcoming production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will dazzle not just for its performance, but for its costumes – a testament to the talent and ethos of Justine Glanfield.

A Journey Through Fashion and Craft

Hailing from Great Britain, Justine Glanfield is no stranger to the intricate dance of design and artistry. Her illustrious career began in the mid-1990s, where she honed her skills working for global powerhouses like Burberry and Lacoste. Most recently, she served as Head of Design at the German fashion label Closed, culminating in her Winter 2025 collection.

Looking ahead, Glanfield is preparing to launch a creative consulting agency in Brussels after her son graduates. Her new venture will focus on fashion design, knitwear, and creative, sustainable design concepts, while continuing her work with The Knit Archive. This archive, which she curates in her Brussels townhouse, is a treasure trove of vintage knitwear pieces and swatches that inspire global design houses in their future collections.

A Sustainable Challenge for Shakespeare’s Classic

For the ISH production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Glanfield has taken on the challenge of creating costumes that reflect her commitment to sustainability. Every costume has been crafted from reused and upcycled materials, with many sourced as vintage and second-hand finds from Hamburg. Over the past months, she has meticulously hunted down these pieces, reimagining them into designs that capture the whimsical magic of Shakespeare’s play.

Adding a touch of local collaboration, the Hamburg skate brand Lousy Livin generously donated the underwear for the characters Lysander and Demetrius, showcasing the power of community in creating something extraordinary. These thoughtful touches underscore the value of creativity and resourcefulness in costume design.

More Than an Environmental Statement

This approach to costume-making is more than an environmental statement – it’s an educational gift for the students and audience alike. By breathing new life into discarded fabrics and materials, Glanfield transforms costume-making into an act of eco-conscious artistry. Through her designs, she reminds us that beauty and imagination can emerge from the materials we often overlook. Her work resonates deeply with the themes of Shakespeare’s play – transformation, wonder, and the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.

A Declaration of Love for the Planet and the Arts

Glanfield’s dedication to sustainability and artistry bridges her passions for education, fashion, and the environment. Her work on A Midsummer Night's Dream reflects her desire to inspire the next generation, showing them how creativity can intersect with responsibility.

As the curtain rises on this timeless tale, audiences will witness more than Shakespeare’s enchanting world. They will see the magic that emerges when talent meets purpose, as Justine Glanfield’s costumes tell their own story – one of transformation, sustainability, and the boundless potential of human creativity.

Let the midsummer magic begin!

Meet the Co-Director : Clayton Doherty

"Drama is a vital tool for fostering independence, critical thinking, and leadership skills—qualities that will serve students well beyond the stage. My goal is to instill a lifelong love for the arts and learning while building a sense of community through storytelling.” 

– Clayton Doherty- 

As co-director of this year’s play, Doherty’s vision has breathed new life into Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, marrying classical storytelling with modern-day relevance and ingenuity.

Clayton Doherty is more than a director; he is a creative force dedicated to shaping young minds and transforming the role of drama in education. With a philosophy rooted in inclusivity and excellence, Doherty’s approach emphasizes empowering students from all economic backgrounds.

Doherty’s career spans continents and industries, showcasing his versatility and commitment to innovation. He has served as Head of Drama in the UK and led Swiss international school students to perform at the United Nations—an achievement that speaks volumes about his ability to inspire excellence. From his early work as an artist for the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts in Washington, D.C., to conducting corporate training for world-renowned organizations like the World Economic Forum, Doherty’s resume is nothing short of extraordinary.

Notably, Doherty has embraced technology as a tool for artistic and educational growth. His groundbreaking use of virtual reality (VR) to connect students across continents—teaching simultaneously in Switzerland and China—demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. This passion for innovation extends to his role as President and Co-Founder of the World VR Forum, where he has collaborated with global institutions such as the United Nations and prestigious film festivals, including Cannes and Sundance. These ventures underline his commitment to blending the arts with cutting-edge technology to foster global understanding.

As a director, Doherty has nurtured young talent who have gone on to grace London’s West End, Hollywood films, and critically acclaimed television series like Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, and Call the Midwife. His ability to identify and cultivate raw potential is unparalleled, and his dedication to his students’ success is a cornerstone of his work.

News Clipping from the Newspaper The Stage

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Doherty’s influence is evident in every aspect of the production. From the nuanced performances of the cast to the innovative staging that bridges Shakespearean tradition with modern flair, the play reflects his belief in storytelling as a discipline that unites communities. His collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the school’s drama program.

Clayton Doherty’s vision goes far beyond the stage. He aims to create a culture where the arts are celebrated as an integral part of education and life. His work reminds us that drama is more than entertainment; it is a transformative experience that shapes character, fosters empathy, and connects us to the world. 

As the curtain rises on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it is clear that Doherty’s leadership and creativity brings its magic to our school, inspiring students and audiences alike.

From her formative years in Hamburg, where her family settled after leaving Kazakhstan, to her formal training at the Fontys Dance Academy in Tilburg, Anastasia has always been a storyteller in motion. Her celebrated work on pieces like PopPornPolitics, nominated for the Choreography Award 2012 at the ITs Festival Amsterdam, showcases her ability to marry physicality and emotion. Now, she channels this skill to empower the next generation of performers, making her involvement in the school production all the more special.

A Dance-Filled Enchantment

Choreography plays a pivotal role in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play that revels in magic, mischief, and the interconnectedness of human and supernatural realms. Anastasia’s signature style—movement that challenges the body and excites the soul—animates several key moments in the production.

The ethereal fairy world, for instance, comes alive under her guidance. Titania’s fairy attendants move in intricate patterns that evoke the fluidity and mystique of the enchanted forest, transforming the stage into a living, breathing organism. These movements—at once delicate and dynamic—highlight Anastasia’s ability to convey emotion without words, capturing both the whimsy and tension of the play’s supernatural elements.

The comedic chaos of Puck’s antics also benefits from Anastasia’s touch. Through playful, acrobatic choreography, Puck’s pranks are rendered not just as humorous interludes but as a physical narrative that underscores the themes of transformation and folly. The lovers’ quarrel in Act III is another standout moment. Anastasia masterfully choreographs the escalating conflict, blending humour and tension as the characters’ movements mirror their tangled emotions.

Empowering Young Performers

Anastasia’s work is not limited to the stage; it extends to the performers themselves. Her dedication to nurturing young talent shines in this production. Through workshops and rehearsals, she has imparted not just technique but a sense of ownership and creativity to the student dancers. They are not merely executing choreography; they are telling the story through their bodies, fully immersed in the joy and discipline of the craft.

A Legacy of Movement

What makes Anastasia Schwarzkopf’s involvement in this production truly special is her ability to connect movement with meaning. Her journey, rooted in a commitment to the transformative power of dance, is mirrored in her work with these 32 young ISH performers. She shows them—and us—that choreography is more than steps; it is a language that bridges imagination and reality, drawing us deeper into the heart of the story.

Fight Choreography

Lights & Sound

Tom White 

"Through lighting and sound, Shakespeare’s dreamlike forest becomes a vivid realm of enchantment and tension, where moonlight reveals the magic and mischief of Titania, Oberon, and the fairies." 

- Tom White-

Tom’s journey into theatre began in the 1990s during his school days, when he worked backstage, moving scenery in the dark for a production of Little Shop of Horrors.

His interest for technical theatre truly took off at university, where he quickly found his niche behind the lighting desk. While there, he collaborated with members of the renowned Cambridge Footlights and others. A standout memory from this period was joining a two-week European tour of Macbeth in 2006.

Meet the Master Mind: Adrian More

“Drama is a vital tool for fostering independence, critical thinking, and leadership skills—qualities that will serve students well beyond the stage”

-Adrian More-

This production is not just another item on the calendar at the International School; it is a reflection of the passion and vision of Adrian More, the school’s Director of Visual and Performing Arts.

While More does not direct the play, his behind-the-scenes efforts are instrumental in making it a reality. His philosophy of art education goes beyond performance, resonating deeply with the essence of what it means to grow, learn, and connect as human beings.

More’s approach to art and drama is rooted in the belief that these disciplines are essential tools for personal and collective development.

Though he works in the background, ensuring the production’s success through his guidance and support, this vision is unmistakable. Students are not just preparing to perform Shakespeare; they are building confidence, sharpening their analytical skills, and learning to lead with empathy and creativity.

One of More’s most remarkable achievements has been cultivating a sense of community through storytelling. In his own words, he seeks to “instill a lifelong love for the arts and learning while building a sense of community through storytelling.” It is this focus on connection and collaboration that sets his work apart. By providing the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life, More has created an environment where young people can find their voices and share them with others.

As we anticipate the opening night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it is impossible not to admire the depth and commitment More brings to his role. The play’s enchanting themes of love, mischief, and transformation feel especially fitting under his influence. These themes mirror the changes and growth students undergo as they engage with the arts under his guidance.

In a world that increasingly emphasises metrics and outcomes, More’s dedication to nurturing creativity and self-expression is a refreshing reminder of the true purpose of education. His work demonstrates that the arts are not merely extracurricular activities but vital components of a well-rounded education. They equip students with skills that extend far beyond the confines of the stage and into every facet of life.

So as the International School’s auditorium fills with anticipation and the stage lights illuminate Shakespeare’s whimsical forest, let us celebrate Adrian More—a visionary educator who understands that art, at its heart, is about connection, growth, and the shared human experience. Through his leadership from behind the scenes, the International School continues to be a place where the arts thrive and students are inspired to dream, create, and lead.  

To hear more about Adrian's approach and vision of the Arts in Education, listen to our recent podcast interview.