The Bard is beckoning from within the walls of Kendall Hall. The College's All College Theatre is bringing William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet" from the page to the stage. The Signal had the opportunity to interview the play's title character and protagonist Prince Hamlet as well as the son of the King's Lord Chamberlain, Laertes.
Prince Hamlet was a bit angst-ridden.
The Signal: So Prince Hamlet, is there something rotten in the state of Denmark?
Prince Hamlet: [Sniffs the air] Maybe. I hate my stepfather and I'm angry at my mother; she didn't care when my father died . but rotten? I don't know. It could just be all the salted cod.
TS: Are you a spiritual man Prince Hamlet? Do you believe in ghosts?
PH: I would like to think I am a learned man and I would like to think I do not take stock in superstitions, but you never know. After all, "Absence of proof is not proof of absence."
TS: You're a young royal. I'm sure many women would jump at the chance to lay claim to your heart. Is there a special lady in your life?
PH: There was a woman in my life but we're on a break. It's a touchy subject. It's complicated.
TS: You have the reputation for being a bit of an existentialist. So which is it, to be or not to be?
PH: I haven't actually thought about it a lot, which usually comes as a surprise to people. I suppose if I flipped a coin it would be the "to be" side but I haven't examined "not being" enough to make a decision.
TS: Is there anyone you admire or is there someone who has had a great impact on your life? Someone you could call a hero?
PH: I would say my father, the late King Hamlet. That's a touchy subject too. I was his first born so I should be king, but I'm not.
Unlike the prince, Laertes did not have such heavy issues weighing on his mind.
TS: Laertes, would you say you're a bit of a Francophile?
Laertes: France is such a great country, why wouldn't I want to be there? There's nothing to do in boring old Denmark: 'Hey, let's salt some cod. Hey, let's watch the grass grow.'
TS: Do you have any hobbies? Would you say that you enjoy sword-fighting as a pastime?
L: I wouldn't call it a pastime. It's more of a life-long dedication. I also like writing poetry and long walks on the beach, but sword-fighting is a top priority.
TS: Are you close with the young Prince Hamlet?
L: He's alright. He's a nice kid with a good head on his shoulders. Although, he can be a bit strange sometimes, talking to himself and whatnot. Hey, what do you expect from someone with royal blood?
TS: Tell us a little about your home life. You live with your mother Polonia and your sister Ophelia, correct?
L: Yes. Having the King's Lord Chamberlain as a parent means everything is basically given to me. I can just sit back and relax and take care of my sister. Ophelia can be a handful.
TS: What do you think of your king, Claudius?
L: He's an awfully nice guy. He treats me well. I mean, he's willing to let me get out of this damp, boring hell-hole and go off to France.
All College Theatre will present "Hamlet" from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13 in the Don Evans Black Box Theatre in Kendall Hall.
Tickets are available at the door, with prices set at $4 for students, faculty or senior citizens, and $6 for general admission.
