News

There is no surprise; everyone will die.

Thorneloe University, Université Laurentienne, and Cambrian College students present a bilingual comedic adaptation of Hamlet

February 11, 2019

Sudbury – Students from Thorneloe University’s Department of Theatre and Motion Pictures Arts, Laurentian’s Francophone Programme de théâtre as well as Cambrian College’s Theatre Arts – Technical Production Program, are working together to bring you Hamlet…ou presque, a dark comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

This isn’t the first time Hamlet…ou presque has hit the stage. It was first presented in 2009 at Laurentian University by writer and director Miriam Cusson and a talented team of students and designers.  Cusson is once again bringing this classic play by William Shakespeare to the stage, but this time with a twist.

 “When Patricia Tedford, Chair of Theatre and Motion Picture Arts, asked me to consider directing Hamlet at Thorneloe, I jumped at the opportunity to revisit this adaption and refocus the angle of the play,” said Cusson. “In this version, we are exploring the idea of surveillance as opposed to mental anguish. Adding to the excitement and challenge of putting together this play has been the transformation of the piece into a bilingual play. Sudbury theatre-goers are sure to enjoy and appreciate this version.”

About Hamlet – A dark comedy and a twisted tragedy

The story of Hamlet is not one of madness but rather one of surveillance and treacherous manipulation. It is a story of liars and power seekers doing what they need to do, anything, to be on top. A story that resonates fiercely throughout the ages.

Hamlet explores a subjugated environment.  When a group of people are abducted and forced to reenact this classic tragedy under constant surveillance, everything that could possibly go wrong does. Hamlet…ou presque is a deconstructed bilingual subversion of the classic tragedy. A dark comedic retelling where poetry and pop-culture clash, where our willingness to engage in surveillance and to be surveilled is the question.

The show will be presented at the Ernie Checkeris Theatre at Thorneloe University on the Laurentian University campus.

• March 1,2,7,8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Matinee performance at 2 p.m. on March 3 
• Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $20 for adults.

Tickets are available at Thorneloe University, at the door, or online at http://thorneloetheatre.eventbrite.ca

Media Day will be scheduled for Wednesday, February 27.  Details will be made available earlier that week.

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For further information contact: Patricia Tedford, ptedford@laurentian.ca or 705-673-1730, ext. 502