‘Hamlet’ explores dysfunctional royal family

The theater program prepares to launch its second performance of the semester, "Hamlet," taking the stage Thursday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Theater Professor Paula Rodriguez, who directs "Hamlet," said it is considered by many the greatest play ever written.

"The story involves Prince Hamlet of Denmark and his choice to avenge his father's murder in Shakespeare's masterful tragedy of revenge, madness and corruption," she said.

"Hamlet," written by William Shakespeare in 1601, is a complex tale of murder and deception between Hamlet, son of the king of Denmark, and Claudius, his uncle.

Claudius murders Hamlet's father and marries his mother, Queen Gertrude, to become king.

Hamlet sees his father's ghost, which tells him to seek revenge on the man who usurped the king's throne and married his queen.

Rodriguez said the department's version of the play will mirror the original Shakespeare play in costume design and dialogue.

Theater and speech sophomore Jill Anne Aden said, "It's a completely period piece. We're doing everything by the book. There is no modernization. This is not ‘Hamlet on the Beach,' it's not ‘Hamlet Goes Surfing.'"

A period piece refers to a piece of work that is set in or is strongly reminiscent of an earlier historical period.

Unlike "The 39 Steps," the department's first fall production, "Hamlet" will consist of a considerably larger cast, elaborate and intricate set design, moving platforms and trap doors.

Theater sophomore William Johnson-Ofoegbu said, "If you can't take direction, you're not going to be very good on stage."

The curtain rises on "Hamlet" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Nov. 17-19. Matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 20.

All performances are in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Admission is $2 with an Alamo Colleges ID and $10 general admission.

For more information, call Rodriguez at 210-486-0492.