Kids Play Shakespeare: An Interview with Hamlet. A notable feature stands out in William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Hamlet characters include only two females of note. And it is this scarcity of female roles, especially in the present day, proves challenging. Particularly in the case where many girls and women present themselves to theatre directors. ImprovEd Shakespeare, Shakespeare for Kids, unhampered by tradition, produced a play where a girl plays the title character. Therefore, one thing is for sure, the fact about this Hamlet, he is a she.
[the_ad id=”4426″]
A GIRL NAMED HAMLET
I managed to catch up with one of the ImprovEd Shakespeare Players this past weekend. Perched on her couch, I had a great view of pigeons while we discussed life, Hamlet and… pigeons.
Shakespeare: There’s a line in the play, “You can’t play Hamlet, you’re a girl!” How do you feel about the lack of female roles in Shakespeare’s plays?
Hamlet: I think there should be way more. Well, sure, girls weren’t allowed on stage back then, but nowadays there are so many more girl actors than boy actors. And we girls don’t want to play boys, which is why we switched the sexes in Hamlet.
Shakespeare: Do you think the character of Hamlet could really be female?
Hamlet: Definitely. I mean, I know I wouldn’t be that crazy to go ‘I don’t know who’s behind this curtain, but you possibly, well you might be Queen Claudia, so I’m gonna stab you just in case,’ but that doesn’t mean other girls wouldn’t do that.
Shakespeare: The ImprovEd Shakespeare’s Hamlet mixes the modernized narration. In your opinion, does that make it easier for younger Kids to understand the story?
Hamlet: Yes, totally. Shakespeare can be really hard to understand, and the modernized narration helps to explain the story. So, you can understand the Shakespearean verse.
[the_ad id=”4426″]
KIDS PLAY SHAKESPEARE: AN INTERVIEW WITH HAMLET
Shakespeare: Do the Players come up with the modernized narration?
Hamlet: No, we don’t. We don’t have to say the exact lines, we are allowed to improvise or ad lib if we want, but we do have to get the gist of the scene across.
Shakespeare: What does a modern Girl Named Hamlet, do in your spare time?
Hamlet: I love to read fantasy novels. I also like to finger knit and cuddle my dog. I’m also a great blocker in the Jr. Rollergirls league. And I’ve started my own White Dove Release business.
Shakespeare: Yeah, tell me about the pigeons.
Hamlet: They’re homing pigeons, which means they’ll come home. Normal city pigeons fly about 40 mph. But, these racing pigeons fly 60-65 mph. So, they can get back home really quickly from your wedding or birthday party…. Hint, hint.
Shakespeare: That’s great! Well, thanks for talking with me.
Hamlet: Thank YOU! It was really fun!
[the_ad id=”4426″]
Performances
Each fall and spring, ImprovEd Shakespeare develops a new production for live performance. In honor of the traditional Renaissance traveling troupe, during a period of a few weeks, we present Kid-friendly plays at various venues around town. Our Players, between 3rd-11th grade, gear themselves with playful, as well as engaging interpretations of works by the Bard of Avon. Suitable for all ages, each performance runs for about an hour.
Furthermore, these shows are always FREE. However, we gladly accept Donations! Additionally, visit ImprovEd Shakespeare, Shakespeare for Kids by Kids on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. And don’t forget to click on our BLOG for the stories behind these videos.
