Tl r 11Ain1 i:{nr n-ik, hAnrA-^%, Nl^unr"kne''}f) 1000 QA ARTS Soul of 'Hamlet' gets lost in ambitious interpretation by Rude Mechanicals yH By Sarah Rubin Daily Arts Writer Arguably Shakespeare's greatest play, Hamlet phenomenal potential to be developed in all aspe If done right, it can captivate an audience. Argus Shakespeare's hardest play, Hamlet has phenomei potential for disaster. If done wrong, it can be t ing and tedious. Hamlet has more lines than any other Shakesp ian character. Complex and fascinating, he can dramatically interpreted as a madman, a geniu: lover, a devoted son, a justice-seeker or a schmuc Last weekend, The Rude Mechanicals chos divide him into two people, personifying both m personalities that he adopts. Director Heidi J. P< ers explained, "With our new cutting of Hamlet, explore the complexity of the title character. splicing Hamlet into two voices, we place a focus his conflicting desires: To act or not to act." This idea is confusing, yet feasible. Hamlet played by Molly Froenfelter, and Hamlet Y, pla by Patrick Morgan, work together to displayt enigma that is the "Prince of Denmark." Phys interaction was a base component of their stratc they were intimately touching most of the ti Hamlet B was contemplative, and Hamlet Y compulsive. This twist aids the performance's audience-g bing capacity. However, several other major exp mental interpretations counteract the double-Han effect. Polonius, humorously portrayed by L Ehrlich, was a woman. This adds a completely r dimension to the play. Although the change ma sense in some ways, it hinders play coherenc others. In the text, a lack of maternal influence estrangement from Gertrude propel Ophelia's rm ness. Without these proponents, Ophelia is left v $ $$$ $ DAILY ARTS IS LOOKING FOR INQUISITIVE 15- YEAR OLD ROCK JOURNALISTS. WE'LL PAY YOU $35 FOR 1,000 WORDS ON BLACK SABBATh. IF INTERESTED, CALL 703,w0379. DON'T Do DRUGS. Hamlet's capriciousness as her only source of distur- bance. It's a weak argument for insanity. Horatio is a woman. Rosencrantz is a woman. The grave-digger is a woman. Many females could have been either effective or malignant. The failure here was that they were neither one. Lines were cut to make Hamlet graspable. The characters, as they were presented, lacked sufficient development, though. Something else needed to be done to enhance their unique qualities and situa- tions. Transitions between scenes relied completely on the lighting, which incidentally was fantastic, appro- priate, lovely. Costumes were simple black. Music was in poor taste and random. The set consisted of Neo-classical marble stairs and columns. Blocking was routine and predictable. Hamlet can completely stand upon the power of its dialogue if a director does it justice. This direc- tor's take required all of the missing facets, and they. were not to be found. There were flashes of brilliance. It should be made known that Ophelia was magnificent. Byronie Maros was effective and sharp, maximizing Ophc- lia's fragility. The presentation was poignant and shining, in contrast to less-commanding attempts. Laertes (Ian Burkow) was also well-acted. Rosencrantz (Sara Grady) and Guildenstern (Brian Lobe) were cute. Hamlet, Sr's ghost was acted by various cast members, reaching and moaning under transparent chiffon - what a good idea; it fit. Audiences respond to Hamlet's ability to evoke compassion. This feat is accomplished because viewers can relate to the frustration caused by char- acter isolation. The characters' inability to under- stand each other is pathetic and exasperating and great. But to kill Shakespeare and then to fail to resur- rect him is blatant. It's like taking apart a Rubix cube and then not being able to put it back togeth- er. It is obvious that this play's poor direction was its tragic flaw. However, it is good to keep in mind that the cast and crew members were students attempting to create art. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every artist was first an amateur." And, pity, 'tis true, 'tis true. The Rude Mechanicals performance of "Hamlet" was directed by Heidi J. Powers. '4 4. I p JOYCE LEELLDily Singer (and former drummer) Brad Arnold and the rest of the 3 Doors Down crew put in a solid show at the State Theater on Thursday. 3 Doors Down gets it up au-t State Theate I y Joyce Lee all that was visible was a green :xaily ArsWriter glow on stage. When the lights turned on, guitarist Matt Roberts DET RO V-- 3 Doors Down appeared with a green guitar and came knocking on State Theater's green lights. He played literally 2oor last Thursday. Tl fcive-piece three chords, and the crowd instant- ,ock band from Escatawpa, Miss. ly knew it was Kryptonite," the showed Detroit their Southern hos- hand's hit single. During the song, pitality by giving a great perfor- there was dramatic, baseball-type mance Their hour and ten-minute lighting that shined on the crowd long set had all and encouraged them to sing even the right Cee- louder. Then lead singer/former ./ ments for a drummer Brad Arnold then went Doors kick-ass rock into a mini-jam session on the 3 show: High drums with current drummer Down energy, great Richard Lyles. State Theater songs and awe- Brad Arnold i not only a good ~ 12 some stage drummer but is also a dynamic presence. frontman. He moved across the The band entire length of the stage, head- opened their set banging and jumping around. He with the title interacted with the crowd, throwing track of their hi-fives and drumsticks to his fans. album "The He was able to bring a great Better Life," a amount of energy and fun to the fast - paced, show. During the song "So I Need Aspirational song. Guitarist Chris You," a fan threw a plastic cup of [icnderson said the song was about water at Brad and he ducked, the "the five of us and our personal cup just missing him. But instead goals for a better life. We come of being pissed off he just laughed from a really small town. We had and smiled at the fans. never really left the town to do any- The highlight of the show was liing. Then when we got the record the song "Be Like That," a beauti- eal, we went to New York City, ful, mellower song which, ender- ,nsaw that there was more out son said, "kind of sum~s up there than Escatawpa." everybody in the world. Everybody Not only are these guys percep- wants to be something, whether it tive 'bout life, they know how to be an actress or a fireman, they 'rock the crowd. Their set consisted strive to be something. The song is of many songs off their album just kind of taking it down that including "Life of My Own" which same road." During the song, the is going to be one of the three next lighters were out and for one singles to be released. moment in time everyone was Surprisingly, there was a lot of swaying together in unison. It was *ardcore moshing and even slam- definitely a Hallmark moment. (ancing right from the beginning. 3 Doors Down concluded their People crashed violently against set with their current single, each other and bodysurfers dropped "Loser" and the songs "Read Love" ieft and right. The crowd's excite- and "By My Side." They left the ment erupted towards the middle of audience satisfied with a good taste :heir set. All the lights went out and of rock. During the Students observing Ramadan observance, Ramadan can sign up for an University Housing offers4 D A alternative meal option at avr alternative meal options Residence Hall Front Desk or to students who have the Housing Information Entree meal plans. Office by November 22, at Spi.. University Housingin cooperation with the Muslim Students Association I Food for Thought Women in Vietnam According to VFW Magazine (April 1977) of the 7,494 military women that served in Vietnam, 6,250 were nurses. For a graphic account of the nurse's story, read Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter. Gary Lillie & Assoc., Realtors www.garylillie.com VOTEo 11f the GOLDE APPLEAD LAS DAY TO VOTE H a class changed the way you look at the wor ? H s a professor changed how you look at yourself The GOLDEN APPLE AWARD* honors those teachers who consistently teach each lecture as if it were their last, and strive not only o disseminate knowled e but to inspir d engage stu nts in its pursuit. *Winner will delive astlecture in January at Rackha. I aai*..ai ,,,t. .,. ..,.,.. ., , ., .,..... .,..., .....,. I VISIT CHICAGO'S HOTTEST NEW NIGHT CLUBS THIS THANKSGIVING BREAKI Awdsho arm No-" I a Mo a " '' ' i si-m m - - -,-F i r w- Amw . u-