Hamlet, February 3 - 19, 2017 @Theatreworks, 2085 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Ryan Kathman
Prince Hamlet mourns both his father's death and his mother, Queen Gertrude's remarriage to Claudius. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears to him and tells him that Claudius has poisoned him. Hamlet swears revenge. He arranges an old play whose story has a parallel to that of Claudius. Hamlet's behaviour is considered mad. He kills the eavesdropping Polonius, the court chamberlain, by thrusting his sword through a curtain. Polonius's son Laertes returns to Denmark to avenge his father's death. Polonius's daughter Ophelia loves the Prince but his brutal behavior drives her to madness. Ophelia dies by drowning. A duel takes place and ends with the death of Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, and Hamlet. The themes discussed in the plot include indecision, seeking revenge and retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty and fate.
Cast:
Ryan Beatty ……….Young Hamlet
Greg Boller………. Claudius
Jamie Boller ……….Rosencrantz
Gene Elliott ……….Ghost
David Galloway………. Guildenstern
Ron Gordon………. Mortician
Jared Graham ……….Hamlet
David Hammons ……….Horatio
Mario Hoyle……….Bernardo/Third Player
Steven Laden………. Laertes
Faith Lewis ……….Ophelia
Maggie Luther………. Gentlewoman/Player
Daniel Pound ………. Osric/Foley Artist
Billy Pullen ……….Polonius
Sarah Solarez ……….Marcella/Mortician 2
Cary Vaughn ……….Player King/Priest
Shannon Walton ……….Player Queen/Francesca
Christina Wellford Scott………. Gertrude
