HAMLET: Starring Kenneth Branagh & Kate Winslet [VHS]

HAMLET: Starring Mel Gibson & Glenn Close [VHS]

Actor's guide to speaking Shakespearean text naturally

Modern English text side by side with the original

Synopsis by Al Franklin

The tale of Hamlet is a tragedy of epic proportions. It is the story of the death of Prince Hamlet's father, the King of Denmark. When Prince Hamlet discovers that his father was murdered, he sets out for revenge. The King's brother has taken the crown and married the Queen, Hamlet's mother, and has made a bitter enemy in the Prince.

The play opens on the ramparts of the castle Elsinore in Denmark. Soldiers are keeping watch in a country on the verge of war. When a ghost appears before them for the third time in as many nights, they try to communicate with it, but it won't speak with them. When it disappears, they determine to tell Prince Hamlet.

Scene two introduces King Claudius, the present King of Denmark; Queen Gertrude, his wife; Polonius, steward to the king; a Laertes, son of Polonius. Upon the death of his brother, Claudius assumed the crown and within a month, married his brother's widow. In Claudius' first speech he recognizes the complexity of these events and begs Prince Hamlet to stay with them at Elsinore and not return to school where Hamlet had been. Hamlet reluctantly agrees, but when the royal family leaves, Hamlet expresses his dismay for what has become of himself and his mother. Ham is interrupted when his school friend, Horatio, at Elsinore to mourn the passing of Hamlet's father, enters to tell him about the Ghost they have seen.

Scene three introduces Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, brother of Laertes and in love with Hamlet. She is saying goodbye to Laertes, who is departing for France now that sufficient time has passed since the death of the King. Laertes gives Ophelia brotherly advice on how best to deal with Hamlet. Polonius returns looking for the tardy Laertes, gives him fatherly advise on how to deal with the world, and sends him on his way. Inquiring into what Laertes said to Ophelia, and Ophelia telling him, Polonius forbids Ophelia to see Hamlet anymore.

Scene four finds us back on the ramparts, Hamlet and companions waiting for the Ghost to reappear. Before long it does and beckons to Hamlet. Against the advice of his friends, Hamlet follows the Ghost.

In scene five Hamlet and the Ghost of his dead father speak. The Ghost tells Hamlet that he died, not of natural causes, but by being murdered. And his murder was committed by the man who now wears the crown and sleeps in his wife's bed. Finally, the Ghost commands Hamlet to seek revenge for his untimely death. When the Ghost leaves, Hamlet's friends catch up with him and are sworn to secrecy regarding this issue.

Scene six takes place in Polonius' chambers where Ophelia runs to him with a tale of Hamlet coming to her, acting insane. Listening to her story, Polonius decides to go to the King.

Scene seven introduces Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, childhood friends of Hamlet. King Claudius has summoned them to spend time with Hamlet and to try to ascertain why Hamlet has gone, seemingly, mad. Polonius enters to tell the King that he finally understands the reason for Hamlet's madness: for the love of his daughter Ophelia. Polonius offers to speak with Hamlet to discover if this is truly the reason. The King and Queen exit and Polonius remains to speak with Hamlet. Then Rosencrantz and Guildenstern re-enter to meet with Hamlet. Hamlet gets them to admit they have not just happened to come to Elsinore, but that the King has summoned them. A group of traveling players arrives at Elsinore prepares to perform for the royal family. The scene ends when Hamlet is finally alone and able to express his dismay with himself and his lack of action against the murder of his father.

Scene eight begins as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are reporting their finding of Hamlet to the King. When they leave, the King asks the Queen to leave them and he and Polonius plot to listen in while Ophelia speaks with Hamlet. The Prince comes in questioning his reason for even being alive with the famous "to be or not to be" speech. Ophelia approaches Hamlet and Hamlet tells her to go live in a nunnery, that she should not bear any children into this world. When Hamlet 1eaves, the King and Polonius plot to send Hamlet to London with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where he will not be able to make any problems for them.

ACT TWO opens with Hamlet instructing the Players in their craft of performance The Players follow with a performance, in part reenacting the murder of Prince Hamlet's father by pouring poison into his ear as he slept. King Claudius is horrified and makes his exit. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come to tell Hamlet that his mother wants to speak with him and Hamlet agrees to see her.

In scene two King Claudius has decided to send Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to follow the written instructions he will send along. They agree and leave. King Claudius, left alone, tries to pray to relieve the weight on his conscience for the murder of Hamlet's father. As he drops to his knees, Hamlet enters and recognizes this opportunity to murder Claudius to revenge his father’s murder. But Hamlet doesn't kill Claudius because if Claudius were to be killed while communing with God, his soul would go to heaven. Since Hamlet's father was killed without benefit of his last rites and his soul will not go to heaven, Hamlet decides to wait for a better time. As Hamlet leaves, Claudius rises, and says that he was not able to pray, that his thoughts could not commune with God.

In scene three Polonius enters Queen Gertrude's chamber with her, and hides behind a drape to overhear the conversation between mother and son. Hamlet enters, furious at his mother for marrying her brother-in-law, and in a moment of passion, seems to threaten his mother. She cries out for help and a voice is heard behind the drapes. Hamlet, hoping it is the king, stabs through the drapes and kills Polonius. During the remainder of the scene, Queen Gertrude and Prince Hamlet finally share their feelings and come to an understanding. The ghost appears to remind Hamlet that his death has not yet been revenged. Hamlet makes his exit, dragging the body of Polonius away.

Scene four brings King Claudius into Gertrude's chamber looking for Hamlet, where he is told of Polonius' death. His plan to send Hamlet to England now justified, he calls for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and the body of Polonius.

In scene five Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet and request that he tell them where he's hidden the body. Hamlet runs off, putting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to the chase.

Scene six has Rosencrantz and Guildenstern bringing Hamlet before King Claudius who also wants to know where the body of Polonius is hidden. Claudius also tells Hamlet that he will travel to England accompanied by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Scene seven begins with Laertes returning to Elsinore with an army of his own, demanding justice for the death of his father, Polonius. Claudius and Laertes come to an uneasy truce as Ophelia, now gone mad, enters. All are astounded at how far Ophelia is gone and her brother, Laertes is most upset of all. As Ophelia exits, King Claudius solidifies his truce with Laertes, and agrees to help him find the murderer.

A short scene eight brings letters to Horatio from the exiled Hamlet asking Horatio to come immediately to him, which Horatio agrees to.

Scene nine opens with King Claudius assuring Laertes that he will support Laertes' desire to revenge his father's death when a messenger enters with letters from Hamlet telling of his imminent return to Elsinore. They quickly plot the demise of Hamlet with a double-edged plan, Laertes will challenge Hamlet to a sword match and will poison his sword. Claudius will poison a glass of wine and together, will make sure Hamlet dies. At this moment Queen Gertrude enters with the sad news of the death of Ophelia, drowned in a brook, too mad to even help herself.

Scene ten takes place in a graveyard where Hamlet and Horatio are returning to Elsinore. There they witness the burial of Ophelia and a confrontation between Hamlet and Laertes takes place. Hamlet is deeply affected by the news of her death.

In the final scene we return to the castle where Hamlet tells Horatio of the death of both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the hands of the English, and how he turned the tables by removing and rewriting the instructions from King Claudius. The challenge to swordplay with Laertes is brought to Hamlet, who accepts. The royal entourage enters and the friendly swordplay begins. Laertes is clearly having second thoughts, but his honor does not allow him to back down. In a series of passes, Hamlet betters Laertes until Laertes attacks Hamlet from behind with the poison sword. Hamlet, in a rage, grapples with Laertes until he picks up Laertes' poison sword unknowingly and pierces Laertes. Meanwhile, Claudius has poisoned the wine and Queen Gertrude has unknowingly toasted Hamlet and drunk from the goblet. As the Queen falls to the floor, realizing she has been poisoned, Laertes, also dying, tells Hamlet that the King did it. Hamlet knows he, too, is dying, and thrusts the poison sword through the King, then forces poison wine down his throat. At the end, as the English Ambassador enters to receive his acknowledgement and gratitude for killing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he discovers that the entire royal family of Denmark has died. And so ends the tragedy of Prince Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.

Who’s Who in the Cast

Brian Alan Schilb (Hamlet) spent four years in training for theatre performance at the University of Evansville. His most recent credits include COME BLOW YOUR HORN at Arena, THE AUTUMN GARDEN at First Presbyterian Theatre, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at Civic. He would like to thank his parents for their enduring support throughout his life.

Larry Bower (King Claudius), an Anthony Award winner, last appeared on the Civic stage in LONDON SUITE. Larry is vice president of marketing for CVC Communications and president of Bower North Productions, a regional entertainment company. He is pleased to be back on stage with his wife, Teresa. He would like to dedicate his performance to his mother, who gave him "roots and wings," and is coming from Colorado Springs to see the show.

Kate Black (Queen Gertrude) appeared on the Civic stage for the first time in GASLIGHT in 1477. A freelance actor and an aquatic instructor, Kate has played a wide variety of roles in Fort Wayne over the last 22 years. She has appeared in CAROUSEL, THE THREE SISTERS, BROADWAY BOUND, I HATE HAMLET, THE GRAPES OF WRATH and DANCING AT LUGHNASA at the Civic Theatre. Her favorite role however, is "A" in THREE TALL WOMEN at First Presbyterian Theatre.

Orion C. Toepfer (Lord Polonius) is an optometrist in Wabash. He has appeared in roles in many theatres in Fort Wayne and elsewhere. He last was seen on the Civic stage in DANCING BT LUGHNASA. Forty-five years of dedicated marriage to a now retired schoolteacher have produced five children, all of whom are married and they have produced ten grandchildren.

Phil Downs (Horatio) wants to give a shout out to everyone at Memorial Park Middle School. He would like to thank the most understanding woman in the world, his long-suffering wife, Rebecca. And Gavin, do your homework. Mom and Gabe, thanks for babysitting. For Vito.

Jennifer Kennard (Ophelia) has truly enjoyed working with this exceptionally talented cast and crew in this exciting production. Jennifer was most recently seen on the Civic stage as Guenevere in CAMELOT and in her Anthony Award-winning performance as Fiona in BRIGADOON. Some of her most favorite roles include Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET, Roxie in CHICAGO and Peggy in 42^nd STREET.

Joel D. Scribner (Laertes) returns to the Civic Theatre stage for the second time this season, having just completed PETER PAN. Joel is honored to be working with this outstanding group of actors and hopes Shakespeare would be proud of this production of his masterpiece. He wants to dedicate this show to his two children Caecilia and Jon.

Bruce Hancock (Ghost)has most recently worked at First Presbyterian Theatre in THE AUTUMN GARDEN, RUDDIGORE and ON GOLDEN POND. Bruce is honored to be part of this prestigious cast. He would like to thank all of those who came before, on whose shoulders he now stands. He would like to thank his wife for her understanding and love.

Stephen D. Shannon (Guildenstern) would first like to thank his lovely wife, Nina, for her love and patience. Stephen has been seen on the Civic Theatre stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE ILLUSION and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. He would like to dedicate his performance to his aunt Dixie Marshall, a lifelong teacher of high school English and drama, whose teachings formed his desire for the theatre.

Jack Cantey (Rosencrantz) is pleased to return to the Civic stage. This freelance writer last appeared on the Civic Theatre stage in THE ILLUSION. An avid lover of Shakespeare, Jack just appeared as Oliver in IPFW's production of AS YOU LIKE IT. He has also appeared recently as Sidney Bruhl in DEATHTRAP at Arena Dinner Theatre.

Joshua L. Richey (Osric) most recently appeared on the Civic Theatre stage in PETER PAN and has performed in BRIGADOON and BARNUM for the Civic as well. He dedicates his performance to his mother, who first instilled his passion for Shakespeare.

Jamen Ratcliff (Cornelius) has been acting for the last six years, appearing in more than 22 shows and in the film In the Company of Men. This is his first Shakespearean performance; his other credits include BABES IN ARMS, PERILS OF LULU, HELLO DOLLY and NIGHT OF JANUARY 12^th at North Side High School. He is currently a senior at North Side and is making his Civic Theatre debut.

Clarence E. Tennis III (Voltimand) is making his Civic Theatre stage debut, but is no stranger to the theatre. Clarence's regular presence backstage has made many of our shows in the last two years a great success. "A friend once told me that J should be in the theatre, so, here I am," explained Clarence, "Of course my grandmother always told me she'd see me in the funny papers, too."

Kyle David Walker (Francisco) loves rock and roll, acting, writing and playing heavy metal guitar. He doesn't believe in conformity to popular fashion and attitudes and walks his own road. This is his first Shakespearean play. He was last seen on the Civic Theatre stage in BILOXI BLUES and in the Fort Wayne Youtheatre production of THE OUTSIDERS.

Colby Glen Prough (Bernardo) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Born in Fort Wayne and raised in Leo, Colby currently is studying linguistics at IPFW. He has lived in the West Central Neighborhood for the past few years.

Scott E. Nedberg (Marcellus) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in PETER PAN as the Boatswain, A CHRISTMAS CAROL as Fred, BILOXI BLUES as Sgt. Toomey and in THE MIRACLE WORKER. "All my love and thanks as always to Jen, Erin, Mike and Maddy. And a special congratulations to Larry Bower, my friend and partner," says Scott.

Kirsten Ploetz (Player) always has been interested in performing. She has been in band for six years and marching band for two years. She loves being on any stage and also enjoys singing and dancing. She is a junior at Norwell High School and is making her Civic Theatre debut.

Teresa Bower (Player Queen) splits her vocational life between part-time psychiatric nursing, recruiting talent for Marsha Agency and assisting with Bower North Productions. But she most enjoys playing the roles of mother to Andrew and wife to Larry.
Al Peters (Player King) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and THE MIRACLE WORKER as Captain Keller, one of his favorite roles. A longtime Fort Wayne resident, Al is a retired teacher and works as a computer nerd at Hydra-Tech.

Tad Atkinson (Player Lucianus) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Tad is a Ph.D. student in British literature at Ball State University and participates with the Society for Creative Anachronisms, a medieval reenactment group. He has appeared in ANNIE and PLAY IT AGAIN SAM at Grey Lite Theatre and other Shakespearean plays as well.

Richard Ver Wiebe (First Gravedigger) has been active with the Civic Theatre for many years and has won a number of Anthony Awards for his work in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM; OH DAD, POOR DAD...; and FLOWER DRUM SONG. He also has been very active at First Presbyterian Theatre and has been the co-host for Best Seat in the House for 20 years on WBNI-89.1 FM.

George Koegel (Second Gravedigger) has been an active member of the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre corps of volunteers since 1933. In the past 54 years, he has participated on the shop crew or backstage crew of almost every production at the Civic Theatre, when he wasn't actually performing on stage or when he served four years in the Army during WWII. A recipient of eight Anthony Awards and seven Arena Theatre Awards, George last was seen on the Civic stage in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as the Rabbi.

Jerry Miller (Priest) is a retired pharmacist and former owner of Plaza Apothecary. Jerry enjoys being active at the Civic Theatre, where he can meet new friends and have a diversion from the rigors of business and medicine. He has been involved in shows since the '40s and worked with such notables as Margery Suter.

John Burns (English Ambassador) practices law with the law firm of Baker & Daniels and incidentally played a local prosecutor in INHERIT THE WIND at the Civic Theatre. He also has performed in A FEW GOOD MEN and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Civic. HAMLET marks his fourth production with us.

Molly Alberda (Lady) is a senior at Lakewood Park Christian School and most recently was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in PETER PAN. Performing since she was two, Molly hopes one day to be a writer. She would like to thank her family, friends and fellow cast members for their love and support in this exciting production.

Arwen Courtney (Lady) is making her Civic Theatre debut while she takes a brief break from school at Hanover College. She recently worked as the stage manager for their production of MACBETH and appeared in their productions of SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR and THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER.

Ann Detwiler (Lady) is an 8th grade student at Memorial Park Middle School. She most recently has appeared in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at Arena Dinner Theatre and worked as the stage manager for MAME at Memorial Park. She enjoys local music shows and Shakespeare.

Elaine Dec (Lady) who normally finds herself backstage with the likes of other stagehands such as Clarence Tennis, now finds herself in the footlights, making her Civic Theatre debut. She would like to thank her family and friends at Northeast Indiana Kidney Center for giving her the courage to try new things.