Hamlet

On the last two days of Term Three the brilliant Year 13 Drama students performed their version of the Shakespearian tragedy Hamlet. One would say, however, that it was not the usual interpretation. The far bulk of the wonderful language was kept, but to keep it contemporary and accessible a few special scenes were inserted. First of all the Jerry Springer (or Hairy Springer) Special was added in. This emotional highly charged scene was full of arguments, accusations and some good old on stage fighting. Matt Whalen as Hamlet continued to stir us until he finally broke into song sing two number: Living in World of Incest and Lies (aka Living in World of Incense and Fries) and I Need a Plan (aka Why Actors Should Not Sing).As the play progressed the tension grew. Polonius (Sandra) was killed, as was Ophelia (Maree – her death, however, was questionable) the Ghost (Yvonnne) visited again, Rosencrantz and Guliderstern (aka Thomascrantz and Carlenstern) provided their Stoppard-type stylings, the mask players put on a show, the Grave-digger (John) sung about old lost loves and a challenge was laid down and accepted. 

                         


In the end though, like all Shakespearian tragedies almost everyone was dead. Lay to waste was the Queen (Hannah), Laertes (Blair), King Claudius (Isaac – hurrah the King is dead!) and of course poor old (well young really) Hamlet. The final lines were left to good old reliable Horatio (Dasha) (…of plots and errors happen.) The class did brilliantly well and wowed their audience with not only their Shakespearian acting skills, but their diversity of acting skills.Special thanks goes to Gerda McGechan for her fencing instruction and to all of the staff involved.It is adieu, adieu; remember me…