Hamlet

Melanie Camp directs an intimate production of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The show features a cast of only eleven actors, including prominent Wellington actors Anya Tate-Manning, Philip Ward, Lauren Gibson, Hayden Frost and introducing David Young in the title role. Hailing from Timaru, this is David's first Wellington production. They will perform in an intimate setting to an audience of no more than fifty.

Hamlet is a play of action, of questioning, and fighting for what you believe in.

What is it to really be true to yourself? Hamlet chooses a difficult, lonely path. Why doesn't he just kill his uncle, become King, marry Ophelia, have lots of little Hamlet babies and live happily ever after? Would you do the same?

New Zealand composer Luke Di Somma has written an original score for the play. Camp and Di Somma have collaborated on a number of projects in the past, and are working closely to make the music integral to the storytelling

Melanie Camp has been involved in directing theatre in Christchurch for ten years, including plays such as The Dresser, The Importance of Being Earnest, Richard III and the musical, Hair. This year she has directed a rehearsed showing of the new New Zealand musical The Way Life Should Be, composed by Luke Di Somma, at the Court Theatre in Christchurch, and an excerpt from David Mamet's Boston Marriage at Toi Whakaari as part of her degree.

The Master of Theatre Arts in Directing is taught jointly by Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and the Theatre Programme of Victoria University of Wellington. Through a combination of practical and theoretical studies during this two-year postgraduate programme, MTA students develop the necessary skills to direct and initiate projects in the professional theatre and related areas.

The current presentation is one of a series of practical directing assignments that constitute a substantial component of the second year of study. The director is responsible for all elements of the production, and has an opportunity to explore a particular style of theatre. The project is therefore a showcase for the kind of creative contribution the director will in the future offer the New Zealand professional theatre and related industries.

Hamlet runs from Friday 22 July - Saturday 6 August (no shows on Sundays) at 7:30pm, in the Basement Theatre, Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre. Ticket prices are $20, and $10 student standbys are available from 30 minutes before show time.