One would think that staging a classical material would be another boring thing to watch. But the trend of staging a classical material these days has changed (e.g. Measure for Measure, Love's, Labor's Lost) Mostly, materials are deconstructed to take a form that is apt with the demand of the audience or the demand of time. And this is what you should expect from Repertory Philippines's adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
When we speak of stories about royalties like that of "Hamlet", it's automatic that we picture a majestic scene. But such is not the case with Rep's "Hamlet." No grand costumes – the men mostly in their leather costumes and modern pants instead of tights (oh and the goggles!) while Queen Gertrude and Ophelia in quite gypsy outfit. (Just check its promotional releases for better visualization). And because of this futuristic take, the 2.5 hour adaptation is not stiff (contrary to staging of 'as is' classical plays) but a very interesting play.
Niccolo Manahan is promising. His portrayal of anintense Hamlet full of rage and pain is really believable. Meanwhile, Chris Villonco is a child-star no more (though I still have a vivid picture of her as a kid). She perfectly portrayed a beautiful and quite aggressive Ophelia. Her acting abilities were even highlighted in the scene where Ophelia turned mad due to his father's death (I loved it when she was singing to "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day"). Bodjie Pascua as Polonius deserves praise. He mastered the delivery of the lines with apt rhythm (great) thus highlighting the emotions more. I particularly like the scene where Polonius tried to speak to Hamlet (to prove his madness of love to Ophelia). Lines were delivered pretty well capturing the wit of the scene. Perfect conversation!
I find it hard to read Shakespeare's works (although there are plain English versions). You tend to focus on understanding the old language (vocabulary and sentence construction) to deeply comprehend the material. So to really picture every action in the play takes real effort. Plus, you are also conscious about rightly reading the lines to its apt rhythm. Thus, I think watching this adaptation of "Hamlet" can help anyone to delve into the essence of the play and acquire great imagery (that may be different from what you expect or at least different from what I've imagined: e.g. like Gertrude being obsessively into Claudius and Ophelia as a quite wild young lady) effortlessly.
Interesting adaptation; great cast!
Repertory Philippines' "Hamlet" runs until February 17 at On-Stage Greenbelt. Click here for schedule and ticket purchase.
0 comments:
Post a Comment