South play spoofs Hamlet
by Ashley Clark, entertainment editor

    Djemal Burris and Ned Record star in an intelligent comedy about one of literature’s most famous tragedies opening on South Campus Wednesday, April 18.

    In the fascinating, yet complicated comedy, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead has the actors themselves inventing tongue twisters trying to explain the story.

    The originally minute characters in Hamlet take center stage in a spoof about what was really going on during all the death and drama.

    While the familiar story of Hamlet and Ophelia is taking place, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern pop in to aid Hamlet in his troubles.
In this production, the story focuses on their story, and the audience gets to know these hilarious characters, who are described by Doug Davidson, director, as a Shakespearean Odd Couple.

    “Tom Stoppard [the playwright] has created two completely opposite characters who team up as a comic duo who depend on each other,” he said.

    “The play in itself is what you would get if you took Neil Simon, Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare and put them in a blender,” he said.
Record and Burris are enjoying playing characters they identify so closely with.

    “Guildenstern is the type of character that analyzes everything that comes his way. He uses a sarcastic wit, which is very much how I am,” Burris said.
    To which Record joked, “And I’m very ADD,” about his character, Rosencrantz.

    “Actually, he’s always three steps behind everything that is going on,” Record said.

    During one scene, the men are flipping a coin, which keeps coming up heads. Guildenstern is interested in why this keeps happening and wonders if it might be a sign.

    Rosencrantz, on the other hand, is just mystified and sees it as pure entertainment.

    The play takes place on a set that transforms from the King’s castle, to a courtroom and to a boat.

    The set itself was designed to resemble the Globe Theatre of Shakespearean time complete with platforms and columns.

    The costumes are reflective of that period as well and are designed by Hip Pocket Theatre’s Diane Simons.

    Contrasting the comedic side of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is the story of Hamlet. Much of the dialogue in Stoppard’s play is directly from Shakespeare’s works.

    Davidson has edited the script to allow those who are not Shake-spearean experts to follow along.

    Allen Randall, who plays Hamlet, believes that since his involvement with I Hate Hamlet last month, his interest in Shakespear-ean theatre has increased, allowing him to enjoy and appreciate the challenges of this part.

    Indeed, the play presents challenges for the actors. Burris and Record admit to being slightly baffled by some sentences they utter.

    However, the many challenges in the script are among the things that Davidson finds special about his project.

    “Not only does it make them more familiar with the language,” he said, “but it also teaches them timing, comedy techniques, how to play off of each other to achieve comic reaction from the audience and how to work together as an ensemble.”

    Other members of their ensemble include Shannon Sackett as The Player, a part described by Davidson as the third lead after Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and as “the puppet master.”

    Bethany Bundock will play Ophelia; Kenneth Houston, Claudius, Stephanie Kelley, Gertrude; and Kit Hussey, Polonius.

    Working normally with Patty McCormick, assistant professor, the leads believe the opportunity of working with a new director gives them a different perspective on acting.

    With such a complex plot, it is no wonder the actors find it difficult to pinpoint who their audience will be.

    “I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Shakespeare or hates Hamlet,” Record said.

    He believes the play may serve as Cliff Notes to some.

    “If someone is being forced to read Hamlet in school and doesn’t understand it, this play really helps to put things in perspective and clarifies the story a little better,” he said. “Plus, it helps them to find the humor in the play.”

    Randall said the story might be difficult for some to follow.

    “I wouldn’t recommend it to younger teenagers unless they have an idea of what Shakespeare is about already,” Randall said.

    “However,” he added, “it’s such an entertaining play that it’s definitely worth giving it a try.”

    Although Shakespeare did not write the script, Stoppard’s creativity, intelligence and wit allow the audience to enjoy the playwright’s work from a different perspective.

    Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead runs through Saturday, April 21. The show starts at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on the 19th. Call 817-515-4526 for reservations.