ALEXIS SEBRING
Life Assistant
Seeing Pepperdine’s version of “Hamlet” without being familiar with the play may leave some viewers confused. But for the rest, it puts a spin on what Shakespearean readers know and love.
“Hamlet” opened Tuesday in Smothers Theatre and runs until Saturday. It portrays the story of a mourning young man who was confronted by the spirit of his father to take vengeance on his death.
The acting is top-notch, but the attempted modern touch to the clothing and actions could have been displayed in a clearer manner.
The only consistency with the style of clothing is the earthy tones. Other than that, sweatshirts or jeans, long skirts or Converse made-up the wardrobe – with one exception. When Hamlet decides to put on a play depicting the murder of his father in order to see Claudius’ reaction, the actors dress in old English clothes. Although it changes up the look, it is not entirely necessary to use apparel expected to be used in the whole play.
Shakespeare may have disapproved some of the interpretations and deliveries of important scenes. Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy is acted out as if he is performing it to many people. In the original version, only Polonius, Ophelia and the King are on stage, and it is still debated whether or not Hamlet knows they are there.
Pepperdine’s version has Hamlet holding a book titled “Hamlet” as he delivers his lines. The people watching his act think he is crazy and sneak offstage (fair enough), but one character walks away while talking on a cell phone – a cell phone. Even Polonia (no, not Polonius) uses a phone in one scene. Sometimes that kind of stretch is one stretch too far. It just does not feel right when technology is added to Shakespeare’s work.
During the scene in which Hamlet puts on the play for the King, the King’s response is over-emphasized. Basically, he is supposed to get upset and leave because he knows the actors are displaying how he murdered King Hamlet. In Pepperdine’s interpretation, he becomes very violent and threatening, then leaves. If people nowadays would have experienced the same sort of revelation Claudius did, they probably would have acted a bit more ashamed or scared instead of violent. Granted, Claudius’ character is supposed to be strong and unwavering, but at this point in the play he is knocked off his throne because he is found out. Such a scene should have been reread and reinterpreted.
Throughout the play, the interpretation of lines and the feigned madness of Hamlet serve as a frequent comic relief. The mood rapidly changes from humor to anger, which keeps the audience on their feet as well as their interest burning. This is a result of the actors’ talent.
Although the interpretations could be different, the acting in the performance is phenomenal.
Hamlet, played by junior Ryan MacKenzie, has an energy that can be felt from the back row. He depicts the character very well in his states of moping, anger, charm and love. So many emotions are displayed to their fullest extent, which makes MacKenzie the perfect fit for the role. From the tone of his voice to the way he stands or sits on the stage, everything he does fits the characteristics of Hamlet.
Senior Christi Thompson plays the Queen and portrays her in the most accurate manner. She is solid in her character, and never fails to keep consistency in the way her character handles Hamlet’s madness or her husband’s affection.
Pepperdine’s production of “Hamlet” brings to the stage many different perspectives on the way it should be performed. New ideas and opinions about how the lines and actions should be carried out are introduced. While they are interesting, the fact remains that sometimes you just shouldn’t mess with Shakespeare.
04-10-2008
