(Bryan
Hiles as Hamlet & Cara Roberts as Ophelia. Pic by Val Adamson)
Think Theatre reprises its productions of
Shakespeare’s Hamlet & Othello in 2018.
Acclaimed for its teaching-aid productions
of Shakespeare set works for matric school learners, Think Theatre, in
association with The Playhouse Company, presents the return of two of The
Bard’s greatest tragedies in 2018 – its admired productions of Hamlet and Othello.
These two plays, which are amongst the most
renowned human dramas ever mounted on the English stage, will run in tandem
with successive seasons in Hilton and Durban in February and March 2018, also
touring to Gauteng for runs in Johannesburg and Pretoria in May.
Pre bookings are essential. All bookings
for Think Theatre’s national tour are through Doreen Stanley on 084 556 0668,
Fax: 086 402 9592 or email doreen@thinktheatre.co.za.
Hamlet and Othello will first
play at the Hilton College Theatre in Hilton near Pietermaritzburg between February
1 and 9, before moving to the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban between February
12 and March 16, with schools performances in each venue from Mondays to
Fridays at 09h00 and 12h00 daily.
With its varied themes of racism, love,
jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello remains as relevant to present day audiences as it ever
was. Multi award winning director, writer, teacher and actress, Clare Mortimer,
once again directs a star-studded cast to provide an action-packed performance,
which keeps the audience enthralled ... and helps learners to understand and
enjoy Shakespeare. With her wealth of experience as a Matric English teacher
(both in private and Government schools) Mortimer has cleverly kept this
production (as well as Hamlet) to a
manageable two hours, closely following all the relevant themes the learners
need to know.
Durban Theatre Awards winner Nhlakanipho
Manqele once again reprises his interpretation of the play’s tragic title role,
with Cara Roberts again returning as his ill-fated young wife, Desdemona. The
rest of the cast, headed by Chris van Rensburg with his chilling portrayal of
the villainous Iago and Mortimer as his wife Emilia, again features Michael
Gritten, Marc Kay, Bryan Hiles, Rowan Bartlett and Darren King.
Often hailed as Shakespeare’s greatest
work, Hamlet Prince of Denmark
centres on themes of death, betrayal, greed, murder and revenge. Often
described as a typical “Revenge Play”, any careful study reveals it to be very
much more. Does a good and purposeful life on earth triumph? Are vile and
criminal acts always punished? Further, what is the purpose of our lives in the
time we are given if decency has the same end as treachery? These questions are
valid today – in our homes, our schools and among our leaders. Clare Mortimer once
more takes the reins, and audiences can be certain of a complete production,
with full sets and costume, and the greatest of care given to the text.
Expect to see a few familiar faces and some
fresh ones in Hamlet 2018! Multi
award winner Bryan Hiles takes the title role of the tragic Prince of Denmark,
with Cara Roberts appearing as the tragic young heroine, Ophelia. Mortimer
plays Hamlet’s mother Gertrude, with Claudius, Hamlet’s treacherous stepfather,
portrayed by Michael Gritten. Hamlet’s friend Horatio is played by Nhlakanipho
Manqele with Darren King as Polonius and his son Laertes performed by Marc Kay.
The production’s powerhouse casting also includes Chris van Rensburg, Rowan
Batrlett and Straw Nzimande.
Supported by The University of
Johannesburg, Think Theatre’s Hamlet
and Othello are two invaluable
teaching tools with dynamic performance, both educational and entertainment,
and are not to be missed.
For further information contact Doreen on
084 556 0668 or Margie on 083 251 9412.
If they are unable to answer the call send a text message with your
request, your name and your school’s name.
These productions of Hamlet and Othello will
go on to play at the University of Johannesburg from May 7 to 18, and at the
Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria from May 21 to 25.
Follow Hamlet
and Othello on Facebook, and keep up
to date with production news at #ThinkTheatreHamlet and #ThinkTheatreOthello on
Facebook and Twitter.
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