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Powerful imagery and developed performances, despite an awkwardly chopped script. Summary
Rating
Good
What happens to the Bard’s most notorious tragedy when you remove all adult characters? Led by Artistic Director Ricky Dukes, Lazarus Theatre Company can now be added to the long list of groups attempting to reinvigorate a classic play, with this question posed as their stimulus.
Written between approximately 1599 and 1601, Shakespeare’s longest play Hamlet demonstrates the story of the Danish prince grieving for the loss of his deceased father and former king, Old Hamlet. Hamlet is sent on a mission of revenge by the ghost of his father, causing mass destruction, and the death of most characters.
Usually a four hour play, Lazarus condenses this fruitful script into a 90 minute production, its sole focus on the youth perspective of the story. The staging is intentionally reminiscent of a youth theatre space, and costume choice of simple school uniform greatly contributes to achieving the desired theme.
The audience are presented with some breathtaking visuals: Hamlet (Michael Hawkey), alongside Horatio (Alex Zur) and Marcellus (Juan Hernandez) running through the castle grounds with torches as their only light source, surrounded by smoke; Hamlet preparing to kill Polonius in a church with light pouring through a door offstage, the smell of incense wafting in. Ophelia’s (Lexine Lee) final moments projected onto screens is a welcome addition that injects life and energy into the performance.
There are some stand out performances from the ensemble, specifically throughout the ‘play-in-a-play’ scene, demonstrating the adaptability of the cast and providing some well-needed respite from the highly intense melodrama of Hamlet’s many monologues.
Unfortunately, an issue preventing this adaptation achieving its full potential lies mainly in the editing of the script. While cuts were necessary, the inclusion of some very lengthy scenes feels unpalatable and unnecessary to the point trying to be conveyed. Leaving in such cumbersome chunks of texts in favour of key plot points is a disappointing decision.
Lazarus make strides towards a very effective and innovative rendition of Hamlet, only stumbling at a few hurdles.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Ricky Dukes
Set and Costume Design by: Sorcha Corcoran
Lighting Design by: Stuart Glover
Produced by: Gavin Harrington-Odedra
Sound Design by: Jovana Backovic
Hamlet plays at Southwark Playhouse until 4 February 2023. Further information and bookings can be found here.
