Hamlet & Me (Part IX)

Newspaper prop graphic for "Hamlet"
Bad Epitaph Theater Company, 1999
Design: Timothy Smith
Photo: Anthony Gray

Notes for first production meeting of “Hamlet”
Bad Epitaph Theater Company
November 11, 1998

The concept of this production, at its most basic, is to present it as what it is. A troupe of actors in a brick warehouse in Cleveland in 1999, putting on HAMLET.

We will not be commenting on the words, or bending them to fit meanings that aren't there.

However, we will be presenting the characters as though they are present in our world today, our audience will be treated to this spectacular story couched in images that are familiar. Kings in suits, guns for swords, local newspapers, beer, etc.

Most concepts are museum pieces, even at their most inspired. It is exciting to take audiences to strange, distant or ancient lands. But for this production, we want them to feel it is happening now, and not only now, but here.

With a contemporary American attitude, while maintaining the dignity of royalty, the fear of the supernatural, and all the sorrow and madness which never will be out of style.

As for Hamlet, I use myself as a guide. A man of thirty, with a past full of ideals and a future full of nothing. He talks about the past as a golden era (which it may not have been) and speaks of the future not at all. We stand on the brink of the Millennium (excuse me) and we don't know what's ahead but we sure know what's behind.

To be continued.