Bard Bits: Hamletized
Summer events that create a more memorable season start with graduation ceremonies. Toss in at least one wedding or a wedding reception along with a church picnic, add in the county fair, include a bit of company to round it all out.
While those events add some pizazz to the summer months, I do count on Shakespeare in the Park. The one day performance arrives in the middle of August and I stop, drop whatever I’ve planned, and position my camp chair on the lawn at the designated park venue and for two hours I revel in Shakespeare.
This year The Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presented their two hour adaptation of Hamlet. Their version focused on what seemed to be Edwardian costume style adding a reserved aspect which offset the emphasis on pulling in the comedic components of the play. I never considered Hamlet a comedy; then again some of lines are quite witty when said with panache.
I didn’t become aware of Hamlet until I began teaching high school English. In fact, I wasn’t aware of Shakespeare until I began teaching his plays. That’s right. Somehow twelve years of public schooling and six years of college and no Shakespeare classes. Shocking, I know.
Once I discovered the tragic Dane there was no turning back. Not only did I teach Hamlet, I set out to watch every version available (still trying to find Jude Law’s Broadway version). One year I flew back to Washington DC to join 29 other teachers for a week of Hamlet Academy at the Folger Library. I then went on to write a choose-your-own path Hamlet, and created the play as a contemporary murder mystery.
Yes, I have become Hamletized and I am okay with that.
Which Shakespeare play has grabbed your attention to the point of almost unreasonable fascination?
Pam Webb 
I had a Shakespeare class in high school and fell in love with Hamlet! I am also a big fan of Much Ado About Nothing. I haven’t been to a Shakespeare in the Park performance yet, but it’s definitely past due!
Much Ado is quite fun. I’d like to see that one performed.
While I love the theatre, I never was much of a Shakespeare guy. That was probably because I didn’t have a high school teacher like you who make him fun to study.
School started here in my town today. As I always say, I loved my career, but this part of life is pretty great too. What are you feeling these days? I’m attending the wedding of two of my former students on Saturday. I’m sure a post about that will follow shortly after.
Someone asked me if I miss the back to school August rush. Nope. I miss being a teacher but not the teaching. Too much changed after Covoid. Saw three former students this week—all growed up. Time flies—doesn’t it?
Wow, the set looks stunning! I really enjoyed Hamlet when I first read it, and another one of my Shakespearean favorites is Twelfth Night.
They used it well. Twelfth Night is also a fave.