Herndon High students Hunter Robinson and Nathan Han cross swords in a rehearsal for the upcoming production of Hamlet. Robinson has the role of Hamlet, and Han has the role of Laertes. Photo by Ryan Dunn.
As the school year is wrapping up, students in Herndon High drama prepare for the final production of the school year, Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This production will be played with a cast of 13 people, so cast members may take on several roles. The play will be produced June 13 and June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Herndon High School (HHS) auditorium.
This production of Hamlet will be set in a post apocalyptic Denmark. “There was an idea to apply a theme for this show,” said senior Hunter Robinson who has the role of Hamlet. “We came to the conclusion of what if the Cold War had gone wrong and see if this was society rebuilding itself, and had reverted into a sort of medieval structure.”
The play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet is instructed to enact on his uncle Claudius. Claudius had murdered his own brother, Hamlet's father King Hamlet, and then taken the throne, marrying his deceased brother's widow, Hamlet's mother Gertrude. Playing Claudius is senior Steven Koskulitz. “I think this character is essential, and I had to develop the evil villain that he is,” said Koskulitz. “I thought of the Lion King’s Scar as an inspiration.”
Directing the production is Zoë Dillard. Although the setting is post apocalyptic, there will still be some theatric swordplay. In other news the HHS Theatre Awards Celebration will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend the awards ceremony. Also the month long theatre production camp Grand Young Actors program will be held June 30 - July 3, 9 a.m. - noon. Children, from rising 3rd graders to rising 6th graders, will enjoy theatre games, work on audition skills and creative movement. Camp is $100. Kids get to know the director, Zoë Dillard, and counselors who are rising seniors and Class of 2014 grads, and get acquainted with Herndon HS. For more information about Herndon High drama, visit www.herndondrama.org.