Hamlet Rehearsals...

We have had two Hamlet rehearsals since my last blog and have finished blocking the whole 15 minute scene. I am learning about the strong physicality you need as an actor especially when the players are performing the opening movement sequence. We have to crouch slowly down onto our blocks but it puts a lot of pressure on our quadriceps doing this so slowly. I have learnt about the true comedic side to Shakespeare's plays for example when we are performing the 'dumb show' with all sorts of weird and wacky instruments. We have even added in a small skit where the player king is covered by a sheet – by the players, before he runs about acting like a ghost. This shows how many different ways a Shakespearian play can be interpreted. On Sunday we got all of our costumes which look fabulous. The players wear black leggings, a black long sleeved top and a frilly Shakespearian collar. This looks simple but very effective on-stage, as do the rest of the costumes, all black and white to match the set.