Where? Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre
When? August 25 – September 9, 2018
In a first for the company, an ensemble of 15 actors from Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble will present Hamlet and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead in ‘rep’ – alternating shows each night with actors playing the same role in both plays.
Hamlet – written by William Shakespeare and directed by Rob Pensalfini.
Prince Hamlet is having a rough time. After his father’s death, he is overlooked for the crown in favour of the guy who killed his Dad and, even worse, married his Mum. Caught between cultures and philosophies, Hamlet careens between paralysis and unconsidered action. Part philosopher, part improvised explosive device, Hamlet is the anti-hero we are all afraid we might become, and secretly want to.
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead – written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Rebecca Murphy.
Inspired by Hamlet and a classic in its own right Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead sees 2 ‘minor’ characters take centre stage. Witness the comic horror as these ordinary folks vacillate between witty banter and philosophical ponderings on the point of their existence all while being flung in and out of the orbit of the Prince of Denmark.
“It’s a tale for anyone who has ever felt out of their depth and in over their head… so everyone really!” says Director Rebecca Murphy.
A Night at the Theatre
Starting in 2016, QSE works with community partners Australian Red Cross, Communify, and Arafmi Queensland to present A Night at the Theatre, which aims to extend QSE’s reach to Brisbane communities in the simple act of putting on a show. ANATT invites patrons to donate the price of a ticket, which will be shared with people who might not otherwise have been able to experience live theatre. Read more about ANATT here.
Relaxed Performance
Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome people who may enjoy a more relaxed performance environment, including (but not limited to) people with autism spectrum disorder or individuals with sensory sensitivity. Parents and caregivers may also find the inclusive atmosphere relaxing with audience members free to move, speak, and respond throughout the performance. On the day of the relaxed performance, the show will be executed at the highest artistic level with slight technical adjustments that soften the sensory experience. A Relaxed Performance of Hamlet will be held at 2pm on September 1st. Read more about Relaxed Performances here.
“These plays reflect the disconnection and frustration of our own fishbowl lives. Each play illuminates the other while standing alone,” says QSE Artistic Director, Rob Pensalfini.
Both shows will include live music by QSE’s always popular band, make use of the magical atmosphere of the Parkland and be delivered with QSE’s trademark accessibility, clarity and wit.
For ticketing and further information, visit the QSE website.
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