THEATER REVIEW: Five-actor, five-star version of ‘Hamlet’
“To be or not to be?”
Shakespeare’s timeless play, “Hamlet,” is full of revenge, murder, and intrigue.
The Utah State Theater is privileged to host the Actors From the London Stage as they perform this play for students and community members to enjoy this weekend.
The Actors From the London Stage have been here at Utah State for a week-long residency. Traveling to universities all over the United States, these five actors conduct workshops and perform one-man shows, as well as present Shakespeare’s plays in a professional style.
“Hamlet’s” plot is staged in the Elsinore Castle during a winter in Denmark. A ghost that appears to be the late King Hamlet appears first to two soldiers, then to Prince Hamlet. The prince learns from the ghost that the man who married his widowed mother, Gertrude, is the man who killed King Hamlet. Revenge then becomes the prince’s only desire, it seems, and it almost drives him mad.
“Hamlet’s” dim and deceptive plot was amazingly performed Thursday night. The performer’s accents definitely added a unique touch to the whole production.
The actors did a great job playing their respective roles. There were only five actors, but there were twenty-five roles to play. It was amazing to me how one actor could switch from one role to another so quickly and always stayed in character.
All of the performers were very effective and convincing in performing the personalities of the different characters. For example, Anna Northam would be playing Queen Gertrude one minute, then would switch to be a sailor the next minute.
As for the scenery, the audience was asked to use their imaginations to picture the scene Shakespeare would have imagined. Kudos go to the performers for putting on such a great show with only a few props. Running time is about two and a half hours. All in all, this play was incredible.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 797-0305. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Nov 3 and 4 in the Morgan Theater of the Chase Fine Arts Center. This production was made possible by the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation.
Audra Chappel is the theater critic for the Utah Statesman. Questions, comments and concerns can be sent to her at audrac@cc.usu.edu.