Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, directed by Tony Petani is performed by Grads Theatre Company 8-11 & 15-18 October. Could a show so closely entwine with Shakespeare’s Hamlet be performed anywhere other than UWA New Fortune Theatre?
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern flips the script on Hamlet and focuses on two minor characters who are questioning the events that are unfolding (oh, are they questioning, for any parents of 3 years old, this may inspire a new game to play, for those parents of children who have grown out of the questioning phase, which I am assured does happen, this may be triggering! 😊). It is billed as a hilarious exploration of fate, free will and the nature of reality. I would add that it allows the audience to consider that, while Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are described as minor characters, we are all the main characters in our own lives and our own stories.
Yet again, Grads Theatre Company put on an outstanding performance. So often there is one actor that is the stand out, show stopper. The entire cast delivered strong, engaging performances that kept the audience captivated from the moment the lights came up. Each performer brought energy and charisma to their role, creating a lively and entertaining ensemble. It was clear the cast was having fun on stage, and that enthusiasm was infectious.
While the actors are to be commended, it would not have been half the show without the crew. Congratulations to Fiona Reid for the lighting, Yvette Wetherilt for the amazing make-up, the players masks were brilliant! Extra special mention to Merri Ford for the costumes. Wow. The costumes may have been simple*, but they spoke volumes—each piece subtly anchoring the story in its era. Congratulations to all the crew who made the show what it was. Well done. *with the exception of the waistcoats which looked anything but simple, but given how many of them there were, I imagine they got easier by the end.
Thanks also to Grant Malcolm who put together the program, so I knew who to shout out in the review. All theatre companies should take note! https://www.grads.org.au/rosandguil-prog
The only suggestion I would make is that audience members should take along warm jackets and perhaps a blanket or two. It was chilly in an outdoor theatre, despite the October performance slot.
At the time of writing, there are still 5 shows remaining. You can find out more, and purchase tickets here https://www.ticketswa.com/event/rosencrantz-guildenstern-are-dead
To book tickets to Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, please visit https://www.ticketswa.com/event/rosencrantz-guildenstern-are-dead.
