Bard on the Beach

Last night, Coral, Bethany and I, along with Lizy and her parents, attended Bard on the Beach's Hamlet. It was set in modern day , which meant guards with guns and flashlights, iPads, surveillance systems, and selfies (Ophelia and Hamlet snapped a quick one at the start of the play). The entire play took three hours, if you include the intermission that took place after the 1.5-hour long Act I (which covered Acts I-III).

Mr. Young, the actor portraying Hamlet, was top notch and did well to convince us of feigned (or not so feigned) madness, jumping over couches, slamming the doors in Polonius' face during the fishmonger scene, and downright screaming at Ophelia to get to a nunnery. The girls were unable to contain themselves after the play, praising its genius and delivery.

Interesting to note is that Rosencrantz was a woman, and was Guildenstern's partner. Horatio was also a woman, which added yet another layer to the depth of the story with the possible romance between Hamlet and Horatio (especially the ending where Hamlet forbids 'her' to drink of the poisoned cup). It definitely changed the dynamics.

Without ruining too much of the on-stage magic, it's easy to say that Hamlet is very worth the time. If you have the chance, head to Vanier Park as soon as possible to enjoy a magnificent performance.

And don't forget to get yourself some Bard Bars to quell those rumbly tummy growls partway through the play.