The acting group, known as Jam (Johannesburg Awakening Minds), is under the tutelage of actress Dorothy Ann Gould.
The acting group was joined by students of the Market Theatre Laboratory for the dramatisation of certain themes from the Shakespearean play, such as the abusive treatment of women, at the society’s June meeting.
“Ophelia, a slender and vulnerable-looking young woman, revealed all the pain of rejection by Hamlet, the man she loved, and the harsh treatment of a corrupt and unsympathetic father, Polonius,” said society spokesperson Eleanor-Mary Cadell.
“[Ophelia’s] death was marvellously staged [by Lesego Chabedi]. Her long, white diaphanous dress served as a reminder of the marriage she would never have, and the long skirts then became the water that flowed over her as she drowned.”
Cadell said the actors achieved “unity in presentation”, and that their departures from the text and action of the play did not conflict with the meaningfulness of the original script.
“What impressed the audience were the intelligent and imaginative innovations these young actors brought to the production,” she said.
“The audience was captivated by the performances and [were] full of admiration for the dedication of the young performers who are able to find in Shakespeare thoughts and ideas that can bring meaning and inspiration to their lives.”
The Joburg branch was awarded R2 500 by the society’s Grahamstown headquarters for bringing Shakespeare to the attention of the public by hosting Jam’s adaptation of Hamlet.
The money was donated to Jam to encourage the students to further their studies and ambitions.
Details: 011 788 4251
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