Heratio

“A stirring take on what occurs after the bloody tragedy of William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ The cast excels as a solid ensemble.’“

The Guild Festival Theatre’s (GFT) opening night of Genevieve Adam’s ‘Heratio’ confidently dispels any doubts about reimagining the aftermath of William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ for laughs. The fluidity in the pacing of the play’s action never feels rushed.

Developed through the GFT program for New Plays, Director Helen Juvonen’s decision to stage Adam’s entertaining script in Scarborough’s Guild Park Greek-style amphitheatre demonstrates a thoughtful process.

While this opening night production maintains the essence of Shakespearean text, it has been adapted efficiently for a contemporary audience. Notably, ‘Heratio‘ introduces an unexpected comedic element, offering a fresh perspective on the classic narrative. According to a recent interview from barczablog, Adam cleverly utilizes the aspect of framing the play from the point of view of women and the servants involved.

Do audience members need to know everything about Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet‘ to appreciate ‘Heratio?’ No. The play’s characters will deliver any prior understanding required in language the audience will understand.

The story opens with two kitchen scullion servants, Violet (Siobhan Richardson) and Rue (Phoenix Fyre), who enter and clean the blood from the floor following the events at the end of ‘Hamlet. Although they are not visible, the audience is to imagine the bodies remaining on stage. Knowing this, the conversation between Violet and Rue includes comedic gestures and suggestions a few times in front of the unseen corpses. Violet and Rue are concerned about their job security and their prospects now that there is a change in the country’s regime. (sounds somewhat familiar, doesn’t it, in what has transpired to the south of Canada not too long ago)

Lady Columbine (Rashaana Cumberbatch), Guildenstern’s sister, then enters, still mourning her brother’s recent death. The comedic aspect continues with the introduction of Heratio (Janelle Hanna) – note the spelling as it cleverly denotes the female perspective. That’s intentional on Adam’s part. Fortinbras (Jack Davidson), a minor character in the original ‘Hamlet‘, now becomes a villain here. Philippa Domville’s narcissistic Queen provides several laughs.

The park setting effectively reflects the suggested grandeur of Adam’s narrative. Production Designer Nancy Anne Perrin ensures accurate reproduction of Elizabethan costumes. An elegant-looking throne sits stage left, while various props and furniture are concealed stage right before the performance begins. Sean Meldrum’s selection of pre-show music successfully evokes the atmosphere of the Elizabethan era for the audience. Adam Walters’ crafted lighting design highlights key areas of the stage and enhances dramatic moments by utilizing the effect of the setting sun during the production.

Although the production remains highly engaging, Juvonen carefully ensures that the sense of enjoyment does not become excessive. This decision contributes to maintaining appropriate comedic balance as ‘Heratio’ explores complex themes of grief and loss. Furthermore, the play examines identity loss through several characters, highlighting this aspect with careful attention.

The cast excels as a solid ensemble that listens keenly and intently to each other.

In her Director’s Note, Juvonen says, ‘Heratio‘ embraces several dichotomies and oppositions: upstairs and downstairs, comedy and tragedy, hope and despair.

And all the messy grey areas in between.

That’s the joy of live theatre when it divulges the messiness of characters, their lives and their interactions with each other.

This ‘Heratio‘ is worth a trip to the Guild Gardens.

Running time: approximately 75 minutes with no interval/intermission.

The production runs to August 24 at 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough. For tickets: (647) 576-7822 or visit guildfestivaltheatre.ca

THE GUILD FESTIVAL THEATRE presents

‘HERATIO’ by Genevieve Adam

Director: Helen Juvonen

Production Designer: Nancy Anne Perrin

Sound Designer/Composer: Sean Meldrum

Lighting Designer: Adam Walters

Fight and Intimacy Director: Siobhan Richardson