Hamlet
Young Prince Hamlet returns to Denmark as strange and sorrowful times befall the country—his father, the King, suffered a murder most foul. The Prince is sure that blame lies with Claudius, lately his uncle and now his King and husband to his mother. This betrayal is more than the Prince can bear. Soon he is out of his wits, spouting “wild and whirling words” denouncing his love for the sweet Ophelia. Or is this madness merely a ruse to “catch the conscience of the king” so Hamlet may enact his revenge? Sensing the danger his nephew presents, Claudius conspires to slay Hamlet. And amidst the clashing of swords and passing of poisoned goblets, all the players fall prey to the treachery that stains the soil of poor Denmark.
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Creators
William Shakespeare, playwright
Rita Giomi, editor
Rita Giomi, editor
Details
88 pgs. 5 actors
Originally produced in Seattle Children's Theatre’s 2007-08 season
Originally produced in Seattle Children's Theatre’s 2007-08 season
Run Time: 2 hours
Audience Recommendation: 11+
Audience Recommendation: 11+
“Giomi’s directing credits include a lot of Shakespeare, and… her editing is conscientious and shows off her extensive expertise. An abridgement gives the play shape and pulls its divers themes into a manageable bundle.” -Seattle Weekly
“What is gained is a likeable, human-scale son of Denmark, a sort of ‘starter Hamlet’ aimed directly at adolecents – but not pandering to them with pop-culture shtick.” -The Seattle Times
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