Review: Repertory Philippines' Hamlet

/5 stars

Got another set of free tickets for a Repertory Philippines' play. This time, I got to watch "Hamlet" as directed by Ms Ana Abad Santos-Bitong. The director describes her "Hamlet" as Hamlet "stripped to its core". I'd say the description is pretty accurate. Instead of an uptight Prince of Denmark, whom we see in a lavish environment and is expected to speak in British accents and wear those oh-so-uncomfortable looking tights (no they're not sexy, even if they hug so close to the crotch), we get a Hamlet that's in rugged (leather?) clothing living in a land that rings true to my image of Saudi Arabia (sand, baby, sand).

"Hamlet" started with a bang. With an emphasis on red lighting, the audience can get the sense of fear that the director surely wanted to establish. Although the scene that succeeded the opening was a bit disappointing, the play picked up and lived up to its grand opening.

The play, being such a long one ("Hamlet" is considered one of Shakespeare's longer plays) had some glitches. Joel Trinidad's Claudius kept on losing his audio. It was a good thing that my friends and I were in the first four rows and were still able to hear him when his mic went bonkers - but what about those who were seated far away from the stage? There was also this minor glitch with the lighting, where all the lights onstage were lit and everybody could see the stagehands setting up the props for the next scene - supposedly, only a spotlight on Horatio is on.

But these were but minor glitches. I'd say despite these glitches, the play deserves 4 stars out of 5. This fresh take on the classic Shakespearean tale is indeed a welcome change. The acting was also superb. I felt Hamlet's pain, Ophelia's sorrow, Claudius' repentance, Laertes' hatred, and so much more.

I love Shakespeare's plays. But I must admit that most of the time, onstage, I have a hard time understanding his words. But Repertory's rendition of "Hamlet" did not pose that problem. Sure, there were still throw ins of "thou", "thine", "thy", etc. but the language used were fairly understandable.

Though I'd say "Tuesdays with Morrie" is still the better play, "Hamlet" still provided good entertainment. It was a good way of spending a Sunday afternoon. If you're a big Shakespeare fan, go grab a ticket - Repertory Philippines never disappoint.