HAMLETMACHINE: The Vision

The best place to start is at the beginning.

The issue of domestic voilence in our society is a major contemporary problem. We appear to be well aware of the issue but perhaps some sweep it under the rug, even when we experience it first hand we seem to shrug it off, and go on with our lives. We might experience small forms of it with housemates, family and even loved ones at some point in our lives and find ourselves irrevocably changed. Our research revealed raising reports of upwards of 32,000 new cases reported in 2009 throughout Victoria alone. A remarkably startling figure.

I have always been facinated with using technology in innovative ways that can present innovative live theatre in strikingly effective ways. The movement of the text has been developed in rehearsal to provide a rich contrast and support to the media presented. This performance is both an investigation into what is possible with sound, light and projection and the rawness and combination of brilliant live performance.

The text (Müller's in particular) resounds with tremendous voilence in and around the two main characters, Hamlet and Ophelia, while utilizing Epic theatre motifs pioneered by Bertold Brecht we also have actors stepping in and out of the performance space and destroying modern conventions that in-itself is a "voilent" theatrical act.

Through the use of the performance, we hope to draw parallels between Hamlet, Hamletmachine and modern day society and the pressures and motifs of Domestic Voilence. Also the deconstruction of the characters, the place and the script along with an investigation in what it means to be human in a bold statement that will stimulate us aestetically and emotionally. All while staying true to the text while layering it with a modern vision and context.

We mix modern theatrical and dance styles with traditional Viewpoints and Suzuki Training (similar to Bogarting and Zen Zen Zo) while also bringing our own personal flavour into the mix. Interactive Media will combine through audiovisual presentations inspired by both the texts, our research and our own personal experiences with a spectacular co-design from Ryan Hodge, Artistic Director of Revolt, myself and the other creatives.

It has been a tremendous journey, one that I hope will be as fullfilling in performance as it has been for us in process. Enjoy.

- Douglas Montgomery (Director)