La Sierra University Drama presents 90-minute “Hamlet”

  College of Arts & Sciences   Arts+Culture  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- William Shakespeare’s timeless and dark tragedy, “Hamlet,” will play out at La Sierra University’s Matheson Hall in a 90-minuted abridged form that juxtaposes symbols of purity and destruction.

<p>Actor and director Brady Greer Huffman is directing a 90-minute abridged version of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for La Sierra University Drama.</p>

Actor and director Brady Greer Huffman is directing a 90-minute abridged version of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for La Sierra University Drama.

During performances on March 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10, the shortened play will take place on a white set that becomes increasingly ravaged by red props symbolizing the chaos and ruination that follows acts of revenge concocted by the classic story’s main characters. Elements of gold represent royalty and character traits of honesty and trust. The actors are dressed in white with Hamlet portrayed in black.

The play is directed Brady Greer Huffman, the drama department’s technical director, and features guest artists from around the Inland Empire. La Sierra University junior film and television major Oti Iancu plays Hamlet. 

 “The production focuses on the destruction and carnage created when one is fueled by revenge,” said Huffman. The props represent instruments of revenge or causes of revenge, he said.

Jacob Gomez serves as assistant director and worked with Huffman to develop the abridged version of Hamlet. “It moves, it flies,” Huffman said. “Hamlet is usually slower-paced. [In the abridged version] he turns into a proactive character who has gotta’ get it done.”

Guest artists Gabrielle Richards, Paden Burger, Bryan Richards, and CeCe Melody possess extensive theater experience and have worked with Huffman on other productions.

In addition to working with La Sierra University Drama, Huffman is a drama instructor at Redlands Christian School, and a sponsored drama director for the humanities program at Loma Linda University. He has experience as well as an actor and storyteller. He works as office manager of the family medicine department at Arrowhead Family Medical Group in Colton.

La Sierra University Drama’s “Hamlet” will be held at 7:30 p.m. each evening at Matheson Hall. Tickets are $10 general admission. The Box Office is located at Humanities Hall Room 102. For further information email drama@lasierra.eduor call 951-785-2241.

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