The Wooster Group of New York specialise in experimental work, often taking a classic play, dissecting the text into fresh stylised drama.
For this utterly compelling, inspirational version of Hamlet, the company reproduces in their signature, improvised manner the film version of the 1964 Broadway theatre production.
Starring Richard Burton, Hamlet was directed by John Gielgud as a dress rehearsal with minimal props and contemporary clothes with Burton in black sweater and slacks. It was a long running, sell-out production.
As a unique experiment linking the arts and technology, a performance was filmed and the "theatrofilm" simultaneously shown in cinemas for just four performances. With no re-takes or trick shots, this was the actual theatre production bringing the immediacy of live drama to the cinema screen.
The Royal Lyceum stage features table, chairs, costume rail and stepped wooden platform, recreating the original Broadway set, plus a vast screen, four monitors and camera.
From scene one, it’s a riveting dramatic experience observing Burton on screen, as Shepherd simultaneously re-creates his rich, resonant voice, gesture and movement.
A superb ensemble cast of just eight actors play and switch several roles, often dressed to resemble their Broadway counterpart.
The Theatrofilm has been edited and deconstructed, deleting scenes and pauses. With the fast paced, fast forwarding action, the stage actors jump abruptly at each cut, with some hilarious staccato moves. Extracts from other Hamlet movies are also interspersed.
Shepherd steps out of character occasionally to stop the performance, telling the sound desk guys to “skip to the fight scene”, or “let’s take an interval break.”
Imagery and sound fade in and out with ghostly effects as characters disappear on screen to focus on the live performance. I personally would have preferred longer scenes of the echoing dual performances on stage and screen, where speech, stance and expression are brilliantly matched.
This production does not aim to re-interpret the play, but nonetheless offers a fresh perspective. Scott Shepherd holds up a mirror to reflect Burton’s inimitable, classic actorly style with his own natural, languid approach.
When interviewed in 1964 about the Theatrofilm, Richard Burton was most enthusiastic: “This is the theatre of the future”.
The weird and wonderful Wooster Group continually reinvent the essence of acting and stage performance, distilling drama down to the bone.
This creatively intelligent and ambitious multimedia production just proves once again that they present the Theatre of the future.
Show times
10 - 14 August, 7.30pm.
Ticket prices
£10- £30