Shakespeare isn’t exactly the simplest language to understand, but during theatre’s performances of the “15-Minute Hamlet” adaptation, junior and leading actor Jacob Benson discovered that it’s actually pretty easy for the peasants to understand.
“You’re saying a line that you don’t necessarily think that the crowd will appreciate, and when they do, it’s really nice,” said Benson.
The performances were Oct. 4 during the school day for English classes and a public performance that evening.
“I was looking for a very articulate actor, and they both fit that mold,” said theatre teacher Samantha Brown of the two Hamlets, Benson and senior Ashley Duckworth.
“It was both nerve racking and exciting at the same time,” said Duckworth, who played Hamlet as well. She felt as though it was an intriguing experience and a good story to tell people.
“My favorite part of being Hamlet was just being the lead and being more credited for acting in high school,” said Benson. The rold of Hamlet was his first in a high school play. He also does plays at Fayetteville’s Arts Live Theatre.
He is currently playing the role of the Beast in Arts Live’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Balancing the practices was no big deal, really. We’re just getting into the motions of ‘Beauty and the Beast’,” said Benson.
Like most situations, practice makes perfect. With each performance, the actors improved.
“The actors became more and more comfortable on the stage at each performance,” said Ms. Brown.
The play was overall a great experience for students.
“I have a feeling that I gave the audience a great show,” said Duckworth.