February 26 – March 7, 2010
By William Shakespeare
The Lab Theatre
Directed by Candace Cihocki
One of Shakespeare's most well known plays, Hamlet tells the story of one prince's struggle to avenge his father's death. With his mother marrying his uncle shortly after, Hamlet is forced to cope and adjust to the new state of Denmark. Through the trials he must face to enact his deceased father's plea, the prince of Denmark must overcome adversity, love, and most importantly, himself.
Pictures from Hamlet
Dramaturg's Notes
Seems, madam? Nay, it is, I know not "seems."
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,
. . .
Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief,
That can [denote] me truly. These indeed seem,
For they are actions that a man might play;
But I have that within which passes show,
These but the trappings and the suits of woe. (I.II.76-86)
Although Hamlet claims to have “that within that passes show,” every actor, every director, every spectator or scholar who has approached the character has struggled to understand what he means. If we knew, if we could see him clearly, perhaps we would know the answer to these questions -- What makes Hamlet pause? Why does he wait to right the wrong that has been done and claim his throne? Does he distrust the ghost or doubt it is his father’s spirit? Is he a coward? Does he simply think too much? Click here to read more.
Director's Notes
“To have seen what I have seen, see what I see!”
–William Shakespeare’s, Hamlet
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, arguably the most famous play in the English language, has been the subject of volumes of scholarship and criticism, so much so that one could tend to feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. One of the challenges of directing Hamlet is to cut through the scholarship and choose a particular focus. I chose to focus on Hamlet, the man, and his journey. Click here to read more.