(Raeesa Mahomed, Lotus
FM drama producer)
It’s that time of the year when Lotus FM rolls out its
annual Shakespeare production. Last year, the station introduced the initiative
with Othello, the 2016 matric
setwork, translating it into modern English to make it more accessible to Grade
12s who are battling with the Bard’s language. This year’s matric Shakespeare
is Hamlet and the station has already
started recording the drama with a top cast of local actors.
Last year drama producer Raeesa Mahomed did the translation
herself but opted this year to rope in local writers. The well known
writer/actor Rory Booth did the honours. The powerhouse cast includes stalwarts
like Michael Gritten (Hamlet), Roger Service (Claudius), Tom Read (Polonius)
and Philippa Savage (Ophelia).
The first 15 minute
episode will air on July 3 and play every weekday at 09h45. For those who miss
it, the same episode will be repeated at 21h30. It will be the start of the
winter holidays, making it easier for learners to tune in.
The drama is recorded at the specialized radio drama studios
of the SABC in Durban and is accompanied by state of the art sound effects
which enhance the production. This, together with the dialogue, results in a
product that is of immense assistance for students trying to come to grips with
a play that is centuries old but with deep and valuable messages and with
universal appeal.
Raeesa Mahomed says: ‘Last year our Shakespeare production
was a huge success with great feedback from schools and learners. They were
particularly appreciative of the high standard of the production and the
translation which facilitated the learners’ studies. Shakespeare is probably
one of the most well-known writers in the English language and special
attention has to be paid to do justice to his work, and from all accounts,
we’ve achieved this’.
Santosh Beharie, the station’s programmes manager, says he
is very pleased at the reception of last year’s Shakespeare production and
expects the same this year. “Radio drama is well established at the station and
for years we have produced work that was of a high standard and very
entertaining. This is just taking it to a new level and also speaks to our
public service mandate.”
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