Response to Lantern Theater performance of Hamlet

About a week ago we went to see the Lantern Theaters performance of Hamlet. As a person who grew up in the theater i was excited to see how the actors in this theater production would portrayed this play. I had never seen a production of Hamlet before, aside from a movie interpretation. When we first walked in the theater I was a bit concerned about the size and the odd set up of the set. After the play had started my feelings about the set changed, I thought it was very unique and it worked well with the play. Although the play was very good and very well portrayed I prefer to read the play myself so i can use my own imagination.

Hamlet act 2

In act two of Hamlet we continue to see more of a change in Hamlets personality, he’s beginning to become more and more focused on the demise of Claudius. He is also becoming distracted by love and selfishness. Also in act two I learned a lot about the character of Claudius. In act two we see that King Claudius's is more concerned with the well being and motives of Hamlet more that he is concerned with his own country. Even with Fortinbras on his tail he still manages to ignore all major conflicts and duties, dealing with things that could determine the countries future. Although incomparable to the play that takes place in Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer’s Night Dream", in act two we again see how Shakespeare uses a “play with in a play”. However the play that takes place in Hamlet has a motive behind it. Hamlet is presenting this play to put the word out to Claudius that he is aware of his father’s tragic death. He is also hoping to bring the tragic and ugly truth to his mother’s attention. I respect Hamlets creative prevention of a confrontation. He is aware that if he were to just come out with the truth it would cause much more of a crisis then he would prefer. All I feel that I learned a lot more about the story and the characters in act two, rather then in the previous act. Also the ending of the act left me excited to see what would develop in the following act.

Hamlet act 1

In act one of Shakespeare’s Hamlet we meet Hamlet and learn of the recently strange changes in his life. Hamlet’s father, the late King Hamlet, recently passed away leaving an empty thrown that has now been filled by Hamlets Uncle, now King Claudius. From this act I can already foresee Claudius having a very treacherous personality. I say this because naturally Hamlet is very distraught over the death of his father and so he shows his respects by mourning and wearing all black. Obviously Claudius isn’t too affected by the death of his brother because he asks why “the clouds still hang upon him”, as though it is strange that Hamlet is still upset. Hamlet’s excessive mourning also represents a strong, close relationship with his father. My feelings on Hamlets mother, Queen Gertrude, are also quite odd. To see how a woman who has just lost he husband can be remarried to his very own brother just weeks later. Also the Queen seems to abide by Claudius’ feelings on Hamlets mourning. It is quite puzzling to me how she fails to give any sympathy for her son or better yet, herself. The lack of sorrow and failure to sympathize with her son prove to me that Queen Gertrude is a very selfish woman. We also learn in this act that Hamlet will no longer be attending the Wittenberg school anymore. In my opinion going back to his school with his friends would do Hamlet more good then staying in the castle resenting his mother and uncle. In a monologue Hamlet describes his desire to die and grieves over his father’s death. I hope to learn more in the act to come and become more intrigued by the dramatics of this play.