 Event |
Hamlet
|
| Venue |
Maidment Theatre, Auckland CBD, New Zealand |
| First Date |
23 May 2003 |
| Last Date |
14 June 2003 |
| Dates Estimated |
No |
| Status |
Professional |
| World Premiere |
No |
| Description |
Set in the 21st century… In its shortened version, the play leaves out some of the subplots so that Fortinbras never appears and we hear nothing of his military adventures or the political implications of Hamlet's actions. Instead, the play focuses on personal and family tragedy. Hamlet's Oedipal complex is set in conflict with his desire for justice and attempts to understand what has transpired. Michael Hurst has conjured up a very cool Hamlet, who has been affected by his father's death and his mother's infidelity but comes across as a post-modern detective concerned with investigating the artifice of events and his own life. His performance discovers much about the character and eliminates the brooding earnestness often inflicted on the character. Hurst also plays for laughs a lot more than is usual in interpreting this character. Where the 'Alas poor Yorick' speech is often played with wonder and sadness, Hurst has exploited the comic possibilities of the situation and language. He is a consummate actor, who understands what he is doing. He conveys a sense of character and understands both the words and how he should move. … This production will be in the top-five productions of the year and shows the play is still open to new interpretations and can provide actors with new challenges. |
| Primary Genre |
Theatre - Spoken Word
|
| Secondary Genre |
Tragedy
|
| Organisations |
|
| Contributors |
|
| Works |
|
| Text Nationality |
England
|
| Further Information |
Reports suggest that this was a popular production, getting repeat business, and that the six school matinees were like rock concerts the kidds are loving it - according to actor Anna Hewlett (NZ Herald 13/6/03) Production featured Auckland comedy duo Sugar and Spice as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Production features many students and recent graduates of Unitec's Performing Arts course.
|
| Event Status |
Completed
|
| Data Set |
Theatre Aotearoa |
| Event Identifier |
190432 |
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