With more humour than expected from one of the great tragedies of the canon, Tempest Productions stay faithful to the main plot points, deliver the famous lines and as much (abbreviated) pathos as possible.
Starting with a quick run through of a selection of the quotable quotes from Hamlet, it is striking how many of Shakespeare’s turns of phrase from this play are so well represented in contemporary prose. Then, as promised, proceeds a performance of Hamlet that takes only 15 minutes.
The entire dramatis personae are played by a mere six actors, using basic black costumes teamed with an array of hats to differentiate the roles. From crowns to bowler hat, flower garland to rainbow-coloured propeller cap, top hat, earmuffs, fur hat and fez, the entire milliner’s range is put to effective purpose in populating the tiny stage. Ducking behind a screen for multiple quick changes, each actor keeps the pace at a steady canter. Judicious editing of scenes allows the same actor to play both Laertes and Polonius without awkwardness. Particularly impressive and effective is the use of by strolling players in the audience – in lieu of physical representation of the trial – set up by Hamlet to catch Laertes’s guilty reactions.
Ophelia is played straight down the line, hey nonny nonny and all, with her funeral used for further incidental humour that plays all the better for the element of surprise. Hamlet manages to retain his gravitas throughout, but humour is achieved by having some of his most famous lines interrupted, acknowledging that the speeches are so well-known that further precious seconds are not required to deliver them in full measure. This leaves more time for the closing sequence of death scenes, the essential component of any tragedy.
Closing to delighted applause, the cast responds to cries of encore with a re-run through of the entire play again, this time in a mere five minutes or so, further abridging the entire narrative – Ophelia’s wordless pose and tumble demonstrating a prolonged mental deterioration and grief-causing suicide all within the space of a single breath is only one of many rapidly unfolding amusements.
A promptly delivered gem, The Fifteen Minute Hamlet brings entertainment on many levels to Fringe World, astounding with speed, clever construction and assured delivery.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The Fifteen Minute Hamlet
Tempest Productions
By Tom Stoppard
Director: Susie Conte
Cast: Yad Sand, Nick Kadmos, Sally Barendse, Valerie Dragojevic, Tom Dimmick, Thom Stewart
The Barry Hall, Noodle Palace, Hay St
Fringe World
www.fringeworld.com.au
22 – 23 February
