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Introduction
For over two decades, Fred Newman has been a unique voice in the American theatre.
In 30 highly original and entertaining plays and musicals, Newman’s plays
are deeply philosophical and accessible, sharply political and non-didactic. Read
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Links
• allstars.org |
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Hamlet
revised and flawless
Mario Fratti
Hamletmachine
October 20, 2002
At Castillo, Shakespeare's masterwork in a version "deconstructed" by
Heiner Müller.
THE CASTILLO THEATER of Fred Newman (500 Greenwich Street, 212-941-1234) continues
to produce stimulating political works. The latest is a new version of "Hamlet" in "Hamletmachine" by
Heiner Müller, who is considered in Europe to be the disciple of Bertolt
Brecht. Ultimately, it's about the method of "deconstruction". You
take a classic, analyze it and revolutionize it. That's what this author and
able director do with this text. Director Newman added music and lyrics. Aided
by the choreography of Madelyn Chapman and Earl Thomason, the director takes
us to a dream world. Graceful dance movements prepare us for the nucleus of action.
It's introduced visually by the fact that all the actresses in the scene caress
the lowered tilting heads of the [male] actors. They seem like children being
coddled by tender mothers. Thus is becomes clear that the characters of Hamlet
and Ophelia are different, really different from their traditional image. Hamlet
(Jeremy Black) appears effeminate and dresses as a woman. Ophelia (Gabrielle
Kurlander) is finally a modern woman who rebels and predicts revolution, opposition
and change. The scene where Ophelia is in a seat getting wrapped by white gauze
is beautiful, really strong. She doesn't stop and continues to sing of her rebellion.
Liberated at the end, she dances joyously with the entire company, demonstrating
that you can win, you can change things and improve things. A beautiful and positive
message. The other actors and characters are great too. (Translation by Carrie
Sackett).
Shakespeareans: Dave DeChristopher, Marian Rich, Kenneth Hughes, L. Thecla Farrell,
Anne Suddaby and Roger Grunwald.
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