A Political Midsummer Night's Dream

     In 1875, a Mayoralty contest was being held, and the question of provincial representation was on everyone’s minds. This caricature displays all of the relevant political figures as characters involved in various segments of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bengough was suggesting that this event was farcical in nature due to the incompetence of those running and that this event was more a performance by ‘rude mechanicals’ looking to make a name for themselves, rather than serious officials concerned with the public’s interest. Portraying this caricature as a theatre poster further emphasizes Bengough’s vision of this event as an act of showmanship.