Hamlet. For many this word may invoke memories of tedious readings of the play in high school. Others may only know the word in association with a bearded Mel Gibson who is visited by his father’s ghost in Hollywood’s take of the Shakespeare tragedy. For a fresh perspective on the tale that won’t bore you, check out BalletMet’s “Hamlet.”
The ballet begins where the traditional play ends. As Hamlet lies dying, he reveals the events that have brought him to his death.
Hamlet (Justin Gibbs) descends on the stage from an elevated platform. The scene in which Hamlet finds that his father has been slain and his mother has married his uncle, Claudius (Dimitri Suslov) features emotionally and technically difficult dancing. Long flowing lines and cradling lifts display Hamlet’s love for the doomed Ophelia (Rebecca Carmazzi). As her father Polonius, Richard Tullius’ short and staccato steps display Polonius’ need to regain control of his wayward daughter.
Dancer Angela Wetzstein exhibits a particularly high level of dance difficulty, executing 360 degree turns and mid-air splits in an ankle-length magenta gown as Hamlet’s mother Gertude.
Later, madness sets in for Hamlet as ghosts of his father appear in lighted pods located off to the side of the main stage. In his distraught state, he rejects Ophelia’s love and accidentally stabs her father. Placed stage front, a water trough serves as the lake in which Ophelia drowns.
Act two is also beautifully danced, especially the fencing scene in which Ophelia’s brother Laertes’ (William P. Howell) expert bends, twists and jumps convey the raw energy and tension that fills his duel with Hamlet. The play ends with all dancers in black, as Hamlet, Gertude, Laertes and Claudius succumb to death.
BalletMet’s acting artistic director, Gerard Charles, spoke of the ballet’s unusual restaging.
“While it is a restaging, this ‘Hamlet’ has a life that’s unique, through the modifications Mr. Mills has made, and because of what each individual dancer who portrays a main character brings to the production. We’re grateful, as well, to Robert Behrens, who has coached our dancers in the fine art of fencing and aided with the fight direction for ‘Hamlet,’ ” he said.
Aside from expert dancing, this particular performance of Hamlet shines because of dazzling stage props and lighting, refreshingly modern suits and dresses for the dancers and a unique perspective of the well-known plot. The ballet’s music, composed by Philip Glass, assists to layer the scenes with joy, fear and excitement.
