By Pam Creech
Contributing Writer
Most academics and Bard fanatics agree “Hamlet” is Shakespeare’s best-known and most accomplished work. While the University of North Carolina Department of Theatre took on Shakespeare’s greatest play in February, it now prepares to explore the tragedy of the prince of Denmark from the point of view of two minor characters: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” an absurdist tragicomedy by British playwright Tom Stoppard, gains its name from a single line in “Hamlet,” and features other characters from the Shakespeare play in minor roles, including the prince himself.
Ed Wagenseller, UNCW Department of Theatre lecturer and director of the show, said the show’s cast and crew are using the same actors, set and costumes used in February’s production; however the characters are not portrayed in the same way.
“They’re even more clueless than they were in ‘Hamlet,’” Wagenseller said. “They’re trying to figure out their place in life.”
Also unlike “Hamlet,” the dialogue is contemporary English.
“Those who are familiar with ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ will love it,” Wagenseller said. “Those who saw our production of ‘Hamlet’ will really love it. For those who are unfamiliar with ‘Hamlet,’ there’s something in it for them, too. This play is an existential look at death from two minor characters in ‘Hamlet.’ Stoppard made a comedy out of one of the greatest tragedies ever.”
Wagenseller said he had never seen other productions of the play and discouraged his students from watching other productions, too, so they will not be influenced by other actors’ portrayals of their characters.
Eddie Waters, a UNCW senior who previously played a fairy in UNCW’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is looking forward to bringing his personality to his first lead role as Rosencrantz.
“I have a bouncy, carefree energy when I’m onstage, and that goes along with Rosencrantz’s character,” Waters said.
Waters is also excited about sharing the stage with his best friend, Wilson James Meredith, who will play Guildenstern.
“We kind of have this Abbott and Costello thing going on. … It’s a really fun, best friend dynamic,” Waters said.
He encourages even those unfamiliar with “Hamlet” to come see “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”
“Don’t be scared to see it,” he said. “We’re not asking you to sit through a rehashing of ‘Hamlet.’ It’s a completely different show.”
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” shows April 16-19 and 23-26 in the Mainstage Theater of UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show runs two hours, including intermission. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students and children. To purchase tickets, call the Kenan Auditorium Box Office at 910-962-3500.
