Review By Kendra Hanna, Front Row Reviewers
JAM Collective’s rendition of Hamlet is a one-of-a-kind depiction of Shakespeare’s original script. When Hamlet (McKell Rae), child of the late king of Denmark, finds themself honor bound to avenge their father’s murder at the hand of Claudius, their uncle (Chase Grant), the lines blur between madness and sanity, hope and futility, and justice and cruelty as death and destruction follow in the wake of Hamlet’s choices. Under Dr. Lisa Hall’s masterful directing hand, Hamlet springs to life – and death – before your very eyes.
Rae’s portrayal of the play’s titular character is as unique as it is compelling – our non-binary protagonist navigates a world in which they never quite seem on solid ground, constantly called by different pronouns by different individuals. Though Hamlet’s identity is the one thing Hamlet themself seems certain of, several other characters throw even that into chaos when addressing the young royal. Rae’s delivery of Hamlet’s iconic “to be or not to be” soliloquy is an absolutely gut-wrenching experience.
The complications provided by the central conceit magnify Hamlet’s turbulent relationship with Ophelia (Abigail Watts), adding rich layers to Polonius’ (Annadee Morgan) reservations about their relationship. Ophelia comes across as very self-assured, a refreshing take on a heroine so often relegated to a position in which she can only be acted upon. Watt’s complete immersion in the role is a beautiful (and at times, very muddy) thing to behold. The brashness brought to the role of Polonius by Morgan is delightful and seems almost familiar, as if she is someone you might know in real life.
When Claudius attempts his repentance for the murder of his brother, his distress is so palpable it fills the entire theater. Grant’s portrayal of Claudius’ deep distress is fascinating to watch, even as his desperation to cover his sins makes him almost pathetic. Liz Golden’s Gertrude is a calm and grounding presence on the stage, ever respectful of her child’s choices until, in a terrible case of mistaken identity, Hamlet accidentally slays Polonius instead of Claudius. When she witnesses the results of Hamlet’s descent, a true mother’s heartbreak can be seen in her eyes.
Every other member of the cast likewise offers something unique and exciting to the show, whether it be Horatio’s (Nick Garner) steadiness, Laertes’ (Jordan Briggs) devastation, or Rosencrantz (Jaxson Dayton) and Guildenstern’s (Brynn Duncan) ready wit, everyone who occupies a place on the stage brings some new aspect of the show to life.
The fight choreography by Anton Moss is especially noteworthy. The intensity with which Hamlet and Laertes fight is believable and, at times, brutal. The music, written by actor Jaxson Dayton, lends a somberness to the atmosphere which is amplified by the cool earthen tones of the set, designed by Rae and Watts. The lighting, designed by Emma Belnap, likewise adds to the overall feel of the space, especially when the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears. Though only insinuated by the harsh lighting, his presence is deeply felt.
A unique exploration of gender, choice, and the inevitability of violence begetting violence, JAM Collective’s performance of Hamlet is a distinctive addition to the ranks of the great works of the Bard.
JAM Collective presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
SLC Co-op, 167 South Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
November 15-17 – 7:30PM Sunday matinee – 4:00PM November 21 – 7:30pm, 23-24 – 7:30 PM, Sunday matinee 4:00PM
Tickets: Adults $30 evening, $20 matinee
Hamlet preview
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