By Hannah Fierle, Staff Writer
This week, the Department of Theatre will perform "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead." Originally produced by playwright Tom Stoppard, the play is a spinoff of sorts on Shakespeare's classic, "Hamlet." The show is directed by Lewis Magruder, a professor and chief departmental advisor in the theatre department.
The play revolves around two minor characters from "Hamlet," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Framed as an existentialist comedy, the plot involves Rosencrantz and Guildenstern watching as events from "Hamlet" unfold, having no knowledge of what's going on around them. The show features brief character appearances and plot devices from "Hamlet," as well.
"As a theatre major, I audition every semester for the shows that go up, but this play in particular stood out to me in terms of how funny and relatable it was," said senior Jeremiah Plessinger, who portrays the title character of Guildenstern.
Magruder, who directs one production each year, was excited to bring this play in particular to Miami. A key factor in the selection was the fact that "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its debut.
"This play raises a lot of questions about human existence and relationships," Magruder said. "At the root of it is just what it means to be human. It's beautifully written, very relatable and witty."
For many members of the production, the combination of both comedy and drama makes their experience in the play more dimensional.
"It's the kind of play that really makes you think," said freshman Connor McAfee, who plays the part of Polonius. "There's a good mix of joyful brevity and existential questions."
Aside from the material in the play, the way the work is written is a unique mix of traditional Shakespearean style and contemporary modernism.
"Stoppard took Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and used it as sort of a dramatic scaffolding and built this incredible, funny, profound text that combines beautifully with his source material," said senior Liz Carman, who plays the part of Gertrude, a character many may recall from "Hamlet."
The play was chosen in March, and auditions for the cast took place during the first week of classes.
The conflicting personalities of the two title characters provided an interesting dynamic that allowed for character work.
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"Guildenstern is uptight, stressed out and trying to maintain control, while Rosencrantz kind of goes with the flow and takes things as they come," said Plessinger. "So there's a pretty interesting dichotomy between the two of them, like two sides of the same coin."
Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16-19. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 20. All performances will be held at the Gates-Abegglen Theatre.
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