Hamlet: A Theatre Review in Term Paper

Dane Johnston gave a stunning performance in the title role of the play. In fitting with the modern interpretation of the classic, Johnston's rendering of Hamlet is akin to the "emo" youth subculture - just as Ophelia is meant to conform to the "gothic" subculture. At the same time, Johnston delivered Hamlet's numerous long monologues with sophistication and ease, proving to the audience that you do not have to fake a British accent in order to accurately capture the Shakespearean essence of the role.

Hamlet's best friends, Horatio (Kit Fugard) and Marcella (Vanessa Downs), were also portrayed as "scene kids," but obviously of an artistic and intelligent nature. Angela Donor's interpretation of Ophelia tended to be a bit melodramatic at some points during the play; at the same time, it can be said that such over-acting may be necessary, as it is part of Ophelia's true nature.Overall, the technical side of the show was executed quite well. The lighting was soft and sensitive throughout, never overbearing. Longstreet's score was performed on electric and acoustic guitars, with a looping machine and an octave pedal. He also used such exotic instruments as the sitar, djeme, and flute. While it might have been more fitting to use a "rock and roll" score, considering the directors' modernizing tendencies, Longstreet's score was subtle and sympathetic to the action unfolding on stage. The scenic design was simple and minimalist - again, not too overbearing. The idea seemed to be to allow the audience to use their imagination. Indeed, during Shakespeare's time, it was not possible to present elaborate scenery; this may be one of the few remainders from the original production style to be seen in the Redlands Regional Players'….....