Hamlet Group Presentation: Reflection
I worked with three women; Meredith, Alex and Amelia, for our group presentation on Laurence Olivier’s directed and lead performance in Hamlet. Seven groups in our class presented a Hamlet adaptation in chronological order, as Olivier’s film was released in 1948, we were the first to present.
My content of the presentation focused on the fact that Olivier cut Rosencrantz and Guildenstern out of his movie to save time but alludes to these characters subtly. As well, I crafted a comparison to the National Theatre Live performance we all viewed.
I think by being the first to present we had a fresh look at Hamlet. We had just read the play and the National Theatre performance didn’t air until shortly before our presentation date. We didn’t get a look at the other six versions yet and had to rely solely on what we learned through looking at Much Ado About Nothing and Othello. We also tried to make the presentation a little more lively by adding class trivia and having me dress up as Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet. Bringing in fun when it comes to classwork made it not only exciting but easier to focus on crafting the presentation.
Laurence Olivier's Hamlet Presentation Notes
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Notes:
One of the most pivotal parts of Olivier’s adaption of Hamlet is the lack of three characters: Fortinbras, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who have been cut from the film altogether. So, obviously I can’t show you a clip of those three characters NOT being in the film – but I can show you how Olivier works around this major cut. Firstly, Olivier claimed to cut these characters to save time in the film – but by doing this, his performance becomes focused on Hamlet’s madness, talking away the comical elements of his character acting humorous with them. “One great whacking cut had to be made,” he said.
He does keep elements of the character present. For example, while Shakespeare has Fortinbras end the play, Olivier has Horatio take over the final lines which still remain in the film.
Some of Guildensterns lines are spoken by Polonius instead, for example, “Put your dissolve in some frame.” But we do know it is Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that deliver letters to Hamlet’s uncle. In the movie, Olivier has two men deliver the letters, but they do not speak. It’s thought this is a reference to the two lost characters because he could have chosen any number of pages – but that’s up for you to decide!
Hamlet Live Notes:
Most of us saw Halmet live this Thursday and based on our presentation can likely tell the two adaptions are completely different. For one, there is no incest and the humor with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern made us love Cumberbatch as Hamlet even more.
The character of Ophelia was a lot more interesting and lovable, while Olivier’s Ophelia seems to mindlessly wander and ramble nonsensically. It was hard to feel connected to her, instead it felt like you watched her derail and didn’t feel a strong emotion when she left the screen for the last time.
Overall I think the actors in the National Theatre Live performance made their characters their own and wanted the audience to feel a connection, while Olivier’s film lacked a relationship with the audience.
As well, the National Theatre made great use of their space. Making a huge set disappear with the change of lights or drastically altering the look of their set by adding “dirt.” While Olivier didn’t use any overwhelmingly memorable choices with lighting or have any set that was dramatically mesmerizing like the National Theatre.
There’s actually a connection between our film and the production we saw. Theatre Live star Benedict Cumberbatch was actually nominated twice for the Lawrence Olivier award. This award was started in 1984 in honour of Olivier and is the highest honour in British acting recognizing those with excellence in acting. Cumberbatch won it once in 2011 for his role in Frankenstein.
James Burbage - PechaKucha Reflection
As well with the Olivier Presentation, I was the first to present a PechaKucha this semester and I presented on Theatre Builder, James Burbage. A PechaKucha presentation is a short presentation where your slides are timed to 20 seconds each. Meaning the preparation for this type of project is particular and time-management focused. Getting a chance to not only learn about my own person but also a new Shakespeare-related individual in every class emphasized even more how important Shakespeare was to a lot of people. Whether it be financers like James Burbage or current actors known for their abilities to grasp language from 400 years ago. It was also relaxing to get the presentation done early so I could focus on other PechaKucha presentations with ease, instead of being reminded I needed to create my own. It was also the first time I’d ever done a timed presentation and I felt at east knowing I had a frame-work to work with length and a way to keep myself from rambling on and on.
James Burbage - PechaKucha Notes
James Burbage (1531- Feb. 2, 1597) Theatre Builder, son directly involved with Shakespeare.
Family: Married Ellen Brayne, Sons: Cuthbert and Richard, Daughters: Ellen and Alice.
He was an English Actor at the time, which was unusual because they were seen as suspicious and mostly travelled.
As well, a Theatre Impresario (financer), Joiner (glorified carpenter), Theatre Builder (English Renaissance Theatre & The Theatre).
Part of Leicester's Men: Owned by Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, James was leader of the group, active in 1570's to 1580's, major company, companies followed established patter, first to occupy public theatres on permanent basis. Death of Earl meant Death of company.
"Censor, no more." Queen warrented actors use, exercise and occupy art. No more censorship by local officials. "Whearin shalbe uttered anie wourdes, examples of doynges of anie unchasititie, sedicion, nor suche lyke unfytt and uncomely matter."
"The Theatre." 1576 - By Burbage & John Brayne (brother-in-law), Permanent Stage for London Acting, Burbage had talent, Brayne had money, plays before building completed to earn more money to build. At first, the two shared profits equally, but Burbage signed the leased and gained the profits, deciding how to distribute them. However, the theatre was outside of the city limits, but they had luxury seats for better/private viewings. The average cost was $0.01, or $0.02 for better seating.
"The Curtain Theatre" opened as competition 200 yards closer to the city. Burbage developed a business relationship with owner Henry Lanman. This caused more play houses to be built after they saw the success.
"The BlackFrairs" was bought in 1596 for 600 pounds, they renovated the space for plays/sitting, but a petition from residents sprung up and the company was forbidden to perform.
Burbage was described as being charming, honest and witty but one professional acquaitance said he was "mtivated by commerce more than art because of his dependency on financial success."
Died Feb. 2, 1597 "interstate" which means he owed money. He left the Blackfrairs property to Richard, Personal property to Cuthbert, his wife an inventory valued at 37 pounds and his daughters were left with their husbands.