Hamlet
HAMLET
This was my first Advanced Drama Production, or as like to call it the AP Drama Test. I was developing my curriculum and realized the students of Advanced Drama needed something that was more challenging and subject to less critical scrutiny. I wanted to really channel the purpose of educational theater, which is to experiment, try things, create without fear of a box office goal. This year I had only two men in my class, so I thought of Hamlet in reverse. The gender bend was just a subtle layer for the actors to explore. The true concept was inspired by Def West Theatre, and their splitting of leading characters into two, a speaking and signing actor. I didn’t use sign language, I split Hamlet and his subconscious, and only he could hear it. This allowed me to truly dissect the soliloquies, to explore the controversial “madness” of Hamlet. We all have an inner voice, self doubt, our subconscious self talk, for this show I was able to bring that aspect forward, connecting Hamlet to his audience, as they could literally witness Hamlet’s struggle of with one’s own fears and doubts.
Design Concept- I staged this piece in 3/4 round, with a slight thrust. I built bleachers on stage in our 1200 seat theater bringing the audience within feet of the actors. It was simple set with only four stage blocks, two chairs, some fabric and some gobos. In its starkness the essence of humanity was revealed.
