The Hamlet Apocalypse

The Hamlet Apocalypse
La Boite Indie and The Danger Ensemble. Roundhouse Theatre (Qld). 24 Aug – 10 Sept 2011.

I am not bound to please thee with my answers. William Shakespeare.

This quote from the show’s promotions informs my impressions here.

I cannot accept that theatre should be nihilist. What happened onstage reflected what we experienced in a 70s QTC actor/director training course that included Geoffrey Rush, Bille Brown and a nun in our class of 20 plus. Explorations were no-holds-barred but, while valuable to us participants, outcomes were not exposed to the public for their criticism.

Recently I defined my personal criteria for creative writing (with overlaps for drama): Engage me; Hold my attention; Involve me with interesting characters; Make me care; Leave me satisfied or provoked or surprised.

From the start, this show alienated me: I abhor cross-stage lighting patterns that illuminate only one side of an actor. (Invariably another actor stands in the light and puts them in the dark.) Then I discovered the concept here was breaking existing theatre conventions. OK. Then came all the dust: Interesting, but all I could think of was the actors’ health.

Trying to perform (the essence of) Hamlet before the apocalypse (including a countdown with bright flashes and savage explosions) didn’t fulfil many of my criteria.

Yet there were many positive points: inspired improvisations, energetic performances, commitment, and confidence of actors tapping into their gut reaction. They ‘believed’ even when I didn’t.

There are obviously audiences for this type of dig-deep theatre relevant to this modern generation. Go for it.

Jay McKee

To keep up with the latest news and reviews at Stage Whispers, click here to like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.