| Sensual Shakespeare |
At NYTW |
| National Youth Theatre of Wales- Hamlet: In Loving Memory , Margam Park , September 17, 2001 |
| It would be easy to describe Hamlet : In Loving Memory as film-like the action takes place in various locations in Margam Park, in real buildings and on real grass next to real trees, rather than on a stage crowded with painted scenery but itıs so much more than that. From the moment the audience approaches the parkıs Gothic castle to the sounds of a beautifully played harp itıs difficult to resist becoming intoxicated by the dream-like atmosphere of the performance. Under the expert guidance of director Firenza Guidi the national Youth Theatre of Wales guide us through their enchanting world where the outdoors ventures indoors and the indoors out. The chronological progression of Shakespeareıs play is replaced by a surreal montage of events which takes place cross the park. The story unfolds in the same way that one thought triggers off a whole series of related memories, in no coherent order, but with a common thread throughout. The audience becomes totally immersed in the performance. Action takes place behind, in front, above and below you. Youıre never quite sure where to look and begin to question what is real as ghost-like characters whiz past and any sense of logical order is distorted. It is to the companyıs credit that no one actor dominates the performance : both Hamlet and Ophelia are played by several actors, who often appear at the same time, building up a complex collection of layers of memories and questioning what is here and now and what is past. The dramatic use of location makes for some beautifully chilling moments, most notably the sounds of melodic chanting as Hamlet falls down a stone staircase in slow motion. Later, as the play draws to a close, a similar chant fills Margam Abbey, resonating around the building and leaving the audience with spines tingling. When the play finishes, and the cast run off into the distance disappearing like a dream, the illusion is kept alive. There are no bows, no encores or curtains closing. A few pairs of hands start to clap, but even this gesture feels contrived, reminding you that the two-hour journey you have just embarked upon is not real. The rest of the audience stand mesmerised, trying to figure out what just happened. |
Reviewed by: Big Issue Wales |
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