Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer’s version of Hamlet, currently playing at the Theatre on the Bay, offers an interesting version of the Bard’s play. WeekendSpecial spoke to actor Matthew Baldwin about his multiple roles in the play:
WS: So, this is a pretty unique take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Can you explain to those who have not seen it, why it is different?
MB: I honestly believe that every production of Hamlet has been, is, and always will be, unique. There is now no standardised template, nor has there ever been. Every production makes use of the script differently; uses different costumes, music, lighting, sets and actors.
That said, our production takes its inspiration from an early production performed by the crew aboard the Red Dragon, off the east coast of South Africa, in 1608. The captain of the aforementioned ship used the production to keep the crew occupied and out of mischief. Our production is heavily influenced by this nautical theme, as perhaps most evident by the use of water surrounding our stage. As for what to expect with this production … well, that’s tricky. Everyone leaves having seen the same play but having experienced it in an entirely personal way.
WS: What role/s do you take, and is it pretty demanding?
MB: I play a sailor who plays Ophelia, Guildenstern, the Gravedigger and Osric. It’s certainly not easy, though I do thoroughly enjoy the challenge.
WS: Tell us more about the reason behind this and what went into your preparation for your multiple roles?
MB: The reason that the cast play multiple roles is a directional and conceptual choice. Also, on board the Red Dragon, there were no females so sailors had to double up in the roles of Gertrude and Ophelia. To me it allows for a very tight-knit cast and adds a meta-theatrical touch to the production. For instance, I play both Ophelia and her Gravedigger, which essentially means I get to bury myself. The most difficult thing about playing multiple roles has to be remembering all of the quick costume changes.
WS: Back to Hamlet – we believe the show is set to play in New York later this year. What can you say about that?
MB: Yes, we will be performing at La Mama later this year, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. I still can’t believe it’s really happening. What an honour and a privilege. Very exciting.
WS: What have you been up to for the past few years – some highlights?
MB: For the past few years since graduating from UCT, where I studied theatre making, I’ve been lucky enough to be cast in two Shakespeare productions, travel to Europe three times with separate productions, perform at the Grahamstown Festival twice, be cast in a South African feature film, cast in in a Nat Geo documentary, narrate a nature documentary for Animal Planet, and double as Daniel Radcliffe in a Hollywood feature film. Those are just some of the highlights that working as a performer has afforded me. I’ve been very, very lucky and I desperately hope that luck will continue.
WS: What have you seen lately that was inspiring/blew your hair back/was really good?
MB: Both fortunately and unfortunately I’ve been quite busy with my own productions this year and therefore haven’t had the opportunity to see as much theatre I’d like. One production that has stuck with me for a while, however, is At the Edge of Light, directed by Wynne Bredenkamp. I’m a big fan of her work and highly recommend going to see anything with her name attached to it.
WS: What do you like doing when you’re not working?
MB: I’m a bit of a geek, so I love playing Magic the Gathering (a very popular tabletop card game). I’m also a big reader.
WS: Can you tell us something about yourself that most people do not know/suspect?
MB: I completed a six year course at the College of Magic and I keep a two metre pet snake.
What: Hamlet
Where, when: Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay, Cape Town
When: 12 – 29 April
Book: Computicket
Group, school bookings: 0214383301, mike@theatreonthebay.co.za
WS
