Under the charge of Simon Phillips' masterful vision and heightened sense of theatrical awareness, the MTC's latest production of the iconic Shakespearean tragedy delivers a fast paced and visceral piece of verse.
Reinvigorating the Bard with a modern twist by relying on tricks and popular culture references to convey meaning can often cheapen the work. Phillips' production tastefully places a subtle modernity over the production, maintaining the integrity of the original text. Using expertly choreographed fencing instead of guns or machetes in the final scene for example, is a choice that allows the action to fall believably between the now and then.
The text is handled with such dexterity and skill the clarity of meaning smacks you right between the eyes. Gary McDonald is brilliant as the bumbling Polonius and his lisp-ridden gravedigger is hilarious. Eryn Jean Norvill's Ophelia is beautifully tragic, mapping her descent into madness with a perfect combination of restraint and fire. John Adams and Pamela Rabe are solid as the King and Queen, with Adams perhaps a little too much of a 'nice guy' and Rabe slightly underused. Tim Ross turns in a strong and textured performance as the vengeful Laertes and his expert skill with a foil must be acknowledged. But the real dynamite comes from Ewan Leslie. His remarkable agility with the text is mind boggling. His Hamlet is sharp, calculating, and dangerous but is never allowed to become inhuman or soulless. I missed his performance as Richard III but after seeing this I have no doubt it would have been just as spectacular.
The three and a bit hours flew past. I can honestly say I've never felt Shakespeare move so quickly and the entire cast and crew should be commended for that. It's visually arresting, emotionally engaging, and in my opinion the way that all of his work should be handled. Congratulations to all involved, you guys rocked.
Words: Terry Noonan
When
Tuesday, 19 July, 2011 @ 06:30PM
Venue
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