Hamlet + Ophelia = ?
(2002) Hamlet + Ophelia = ?. Ygdrasil Journal of the Poetic Arts October.
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Abstract
This short one act play tells the story of the last few minutes in the lives of a re-imagined Hamlet and Ophelia. Their post-apocalyptic world is crumbling around them and their disillusionment and disgust causes them to make the ultimate rebellion; suicide. Along with the surreal staging of the Prince's evil King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, apparently alive and looking down on them from their portrait frames, this play crosses other boundaries imposed by standard theatrical conventions by placing actors in the audience, who, in the climactic finish, take Hamlet's advice and join him and Ophelia in the noble act of self-slaughter. Described by Linda Hassell, script assessor for Playlab Queensland, as; "Existentialist in nature, the piece portrays the pointlessness of existence, metaphorically depicting those very fine lines between patricide and genocide, death and regeneration, sexuality and terrorism and hope and despair . . . a very (dare I say it?) profound piece of writing." Certainly, 'Hamlet + Ophelia = ?' is not for everyone. It is deliberately provocative and disturbing. The author has tried to push the concept of theatre as entertainment out the door and onto the garbage heap and he makes no apologies for this. Another less flattering comment than Ms. Hassell's came from the A.C.T. Writers Centre when Jose Marques asked; "What are you trying to do, drive people away from the theatre?" To this the author should have answered "Sure, why not?"
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | No |
| Keywords: | Stageplay; re-imagined Shakespeare |
| Subjects: | Australian Standard Research Classification > 410000 The Arts Australian Standard Research Classification > 220000 Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts - General Australian Standard Research Classification > 410000 The Arts > 410100 Performing Arts > 410102 Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Creative Industries Australian Standard Research Classification > 410000 The Arts > 410100 Performing Arts |
| ID Code: | 6590 |
| Deposited By: | Starrs, D. Bruno |
| Deposited On: | 19 March 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.etext.org/Poetry/Ygdrasil/Y-0210.HTM |
| Copyright Owner:: | Copyright D. 2002 Bruno Starrs |
| Additional Information: | ISSN 1480-6401 |