Year 13 Drama (Figuratively Speaking) returned to The Studio with their adaptation of Shakespeare's classic Hamlet entitled Claudius. Once again we witnessed an outstanding performance by this group of very talented students.
Essentially the performance had been worked on in preparation for the summer written exam. But also, the work leading up to the performance has helped prepare the group for their work on their forthcoming performing unit.
That unit requires them to create an original piece of theatre using a variety of starting points such as themes, issues, pictures, history or even a published play/text.
Claudius became their approach to Hamlet. The original concept was to focus on the character of Claudius (Hamlet's Uncle) and his desire for power which essentially rests in his decision to kill his brother (Hamlet's Father).
The play is about the decision, does he or doesn't he kill Hamlet Sr. Claudius becomes racked with guilt, unsure of the right path to take with our drama flashing forwards to events that may occur.
The play is Claudius's mind - it is the decision. He is reality and all others are but his own imagination.
Ultimately as an audience you are left to decide whether he takes his brother's life or whether he is but a coward.
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all ...
For the performance we embraced the physical and sensory style of Artaud. The audience found themselves amongst the action in four zones with the actors remaining on the space for the entire performance.
The overall energy of the piece and commitment was faultless from the group. Right from the outset they worked incredibly hard and this paid off in a remarkable performance.
We await with baited breath for their next outing in the spring of 2010!
Blayne Cooper
