To Be or Not To Be

Shakespeare's Hamlet Comes to BMC

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Hamlet, directed by Christi Mitchell, will be performed on October 30, 2019 at 10:30 in the morning, and October 31, November 1, and November 2 at 7:00 in the evening in Garrett Hall.

One of William Shakespeare’s most famous works, Hamlet is about a prince in grief over the death of his father, the King, and the remarriage of his mother. The play follows as Hamlet determines how to exact his revenge on the man who murdered his father, and the consequences that all involved must face. A tragedy, Hamlet is full of mayhem and death, but also brings Christian values, lessons, and principles to an otherwise dark and depressing story.

The main characters in the play are Hamlet (Isaiah Battle), King Claudius (Joey Ellis), Ophelia (Addie Grace Putnam), and Laertes (Benjamin Mann).

When asked why students should come and watch Hamlet, Mrs. Mitchell said that the character of Hamlet is “relatable because he is not perfect. We are broken people that face challenges every day.”

Battle concurred, saying that he and others will relate to his character because “we all have our troubles and struggles within.”

In fact, Mrs. Mitchell chose Hamlet because it is one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays, and even though Hamlet makes some bad choices, God is still at the heart of the show. “Shakespeare is peppered with Christianity,” Mitchell said, and therefore, the theme she has chosen to portray is Divine Providence, a theme common to the play and other interpretations.

Several teachers are providing extra credit opportunities in their classes for attending Hamlet. English professors such as Dr. Kerns and the Fine Arts professors are all providing incentives for their students to attend.

Tickets will be on sale at the door for $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students. Blue Mountain students get in free.