The House of O: A Reconstruction of Hamlet

The House of O: A Reconstruction of Hamlet is a South African work by Hannah Barnard.

The original text

The work offers a reconstruction of Shakespeare's Hamlet, adjusted to resonate current issues in the geopolitical arena. The play is not set in a specific era, yet its outlook conveys a feeling of a dystopian future, but with a lack of the expected technological advancements. The play addresses important themes like greed and corruption and is a reflection on current issues.

Besides the usual character, there is also a new character, "The Editor", who serves as the voice of reason and to a certain extent aids the breaking of the "fourth wall" between audience and players.

South African performances

20**: Performed as a play reading at directed by Hanlé Barnard with musical composition by De Wet van der Spuy and featuring Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi; Morne Visser; Greg Parvess; Antoinette Louw; Claire Watling; Matthew Dylan Roberts; Jacques Theron; Lee Roodt; Ilana Cilliers; Lise-Marié Richardson