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
2016: Performed as a play reading at the Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre on Sunday, 3 April, 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.
Sources
https://alexanderbar.co.za/show/houseofO/
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