Baylor Theatre Stages Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'

September 20, 2006

by Jodi Cunningham, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

Baylor Theatre will present William Shakespeare's Hamlet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26-30 and 2 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Mabee Theatre of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center.

One of Shakespeare's most popular works, Hamlet is the story of a Danish prince ordered to seek revenge by his father's ghost. Although written in the early 17th century, the play deals with the timeless subjects of family conflict, revenge, violence and power.

Directed by Nate Records as his master's thesis project, this version of Hamlet will differ from the traditional style of many Shakespeare plays. Influenced by the medieval nature of The Lord of the Rings, Records incorporated a similar Celtic style into Hamlet. DeAnna Toten Beard, who works with Baylor Theatre as a dramaturge, helped Records research the play for historical accuracy and condense the script for a faster performance.

"I want to stay away from the Elizabethan 'Hamlet in tights,'" said Records. He says the story of Hamlet has become fairly recognizable so he wants to add a "fresh" touch.

Cast members of Hamlet include Lincoln Thompson, Noel Collins, Graham Northrup, Jean McCarthy, Austin Terrell, Jared Eaton, Cassie Bann Kelty, Christopher Eastland, Zach Kelty and Drew Wall.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students with a Baylor ID. Tickets and 2006-2007 season subscription packages are available in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center box office.

For more information, call the box office at (254) 710-1865 or visit the Baylor theatre web site.