In May 2003, I played Hamlet for the first time on Cornell University's professional stage. Ten years later, I played Hamlet again in May 2013 in NYC. Here are some thoughts I put down about the process the second time around.
Entry #1: My Father's Shoes
In August 2003, my (real) father, Lewis Arnold Williams, passed away after a prolonged bout with prostate cancer. On this gloomy Tuesday, as silly as it sounds, a pair of shoes brought back a part of that experience while putting together this Hamlet's costume. READ MORE
Entry #2: Angels and Ministers of Grace Defend Us!
Upon seeing his dead father's ghost, this is what Hamlet first exclaims. This is what I may be hearing underneath it. READ MORE
Entry #3: Opening Night
Opening tonight. I am ready. READ MORE
Entry #4: What Would Mark Rylance Do?
Although I haven't seen him in the role of Hamlet, televised or otherwise, as he has certainly had his turn - based on what I have seen him perform live, I have to ask: What Would Mark Rylance Do? READ MORE
Entry #5: Last But Not Least | This Hamlet's Final Performance
Tonight is the closing performance. And since words are mortally failing me at the moment (how Hamletesque)... READ MORE
pam, March 1, 2013
Since you first played Hamlet, I lost my father, you lost yours. I envision you identifying with the freaked out Hamlet like a magnet... at those touchpoints of hearing about his father's haunted ghostly likeness, then seeing that spirit, then engaging with, only to then comprehend the dreadful nature of the murderous tale.... most vile indeed. ma