by Kerry Torpey on January 25, 2018
Arts & Entertainment
by Kerry Torpey ’20
A&E Co-Editor
“Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.” With intense sound effects and choreographed fight scenes, the Providence College Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film’s upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet will certainly capture the mania and drama of the tragedy.
In their final days of rehearsal, the cast of Hamlet is working tirelessly to perfect the well-known and notorious tale. Led by Director John Garrity ’73, who is an associate professor in TDF, the play follows Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, as he seeks revenge for the murder of his father, the king, by his uncle, Claudius.
Alongside Garrity are several collaborators who have put hours into the production. Trevor Elliot, who worked as assistant technical director and has designed the sets for Into the Woods and The Addams Family at PC, put together lighting and scenic design that encapsulates the commotion on stage.
Assistant Professor Megan Chang has served as a vocal coach for the actors. Furthermore, audiences should expect to see contemporary costumes designed by Maxine Wheelock, who also worked on Our Town.
Stereotypically recognized for his brooding nature, Hamlet teeters on the edge of sanity and lunacy. Audiences can anticipate Timothy Brown ’20 as Hamlet crazily running about the center stage one second and droopily dragging his feet the next.
Rather than performing in the Angell Blackfriars Theater in the Smith Center for the Arts, the cast will be in the Bowab Studio Theater, which is PC’s very own black box theater. Although it is small, the Bowab seems fitting for Hamlet, as the close proximity to the actors allows the audience to feel immersed in the drama at Elsinore Castle.
Certainly a standout moment for audiences will be the way in which the production crew presents the ghost of King Hamlet. Played by Daniel Carroll ’18, who also appears in the role of Claudius, the ghost of King Hamlet literally becomes a projection. Without revealing too much, Carroll will leave audiences startled with his powerful voice and expression.
Hamlet will run for seven performances total. Opening weekend is Jan. 26-28, with 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. show on Sunday. Following a week off, the cast will be back Feb. 8-11 with four final performances.
Tickets are $5 for students, $9 for seniors, and $13 for adults. They can be purchased online, in person in the Smith Center at the Box Office, or over the phone at 401-865-2218. Just as “madness in great ones must not unwatched go,” this showcase of Hamlet is not one to miss.