This past November saw SMSU’s Theater Department putting on Hamlet as part of its celebration of SMSU’s 50th anniversary.
The play was held in the Black Box Theater, which is on the first floor of the Fine Arts building. The room is a smaller and more intimate setting for a play, resulting in a more intimate feeling than if it had been held in the Main Stage area where you would not feel like you’re a part of the performance.
The actors and director made good use of the limited space by using minimal set pieces and props as well as using minimal costuming. The Black Box has a catwalk system, which was used to replicate the castle walls for when the guards are on watch and see King Hamlet’s ghost.
The music that accompanied the play was performed well. It added to the atmosphere of the rather dark play, rather than drawing attention away from it, as soundtracks can do sometimes.
Contrary to traditional plays, where one character is specifically played by one actor, this rendition of Hamlet switched characters between actors. At one point, male actors were playing female characters and vice versa.
All in all, I was glad to be able to see Hamlet while it was in the Black Box Theater. It was a much more intimate setting and it felt much more personal.

5 out of 5 Spurs.