Almost every weekend UO students perform entirely student-run, one-act productions in the Pocket Playhouse, commonly referred to as the “Pocket,” an intimate theater space containing 72 seats located in Villard 102.
Pocket Playhouse’s next production, “Hamlet: A Thriller In The Dark” will premiere Thursday, Nov. 14.
This darkly mysterious one-act adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” showcases the experimental nature of theatre, featuring droning sound effects, disorienting audio recordings and intimate, shadow-filled lighting. The dialogue is composed of traditional Shakespearean verse for the most key moments in the show, as well as modern language for the plot’s more transitional moments.
UO senior and theatre arts major Sunil Homes directed the play. He said he has always wanted to produce an experimental and intense show in the Pocket, which is usually known for it’s more comedic productions.
David Rodriguez, also a UO senior and theatre arts major appreciates the darkness of the show.
“To me, the Pocket has always seems like this fun and goofy place; what this show does is really highlights the oldness of this building and how creepy it can be. It’s definitely not like anything I’ve seen recently,” Rodriguez said.
After finding a 45-minute version of Hamlet online, Homes decided to produce it, but in his own style. He cast the show last February to allow ample time to produce the show well. The cast met periodically throughout winter, spring and summer and started rehearsing regularly in the fall.
“It’s not your average Hamlet. I want this to be the feel-bad show of the year,” Homes said with a laugh.
Homes decided to focus on the show’s soundscape, which includes some intense musical transitions and immersive dark undertones while the actors are speaking, like in a film. The darkness, sound and intensity of the actors all work to keep the audience feeling on edge.
UO senior and digital arts major Kristian Soerensen had never acted in a Shakespeare play before and encourages people who may be unfamiliar with Shakespeare to see the show.
“I think people will appreciate the fact that it’s a concept show because I think the sound and the lights and the thrill of it is what is going to tell the story,” Soerensen said.
“Hamlet: A Thriller In The Dark” will be performed Nov. 14-16 at 5 p.m., in Villard 102. All Pocket Playhouse performances are free with a $1 suggested donation.