OUR MISSION STATEMENT
A REBIRTH FOR YOUTH INTEREST IN CLASSICAL THEATRE:
One morning, while making breakfast and going over monologues, I felt very lonely. Sure – it’s nice to practice the classical work all by oneself – the long soliloquies are ripe for individual dissection. I, however, longed a companion. Shakespeare, especially, is only good with a duel thrown in every now and then – be it of minds or swords… or ray-guns… if you are doing Hamlet in space. I called my good friend Clayton Hamburg and we twisted dreams and tales of a classical theatre boot-camp. Thus was born the concept of Fools for Tragedy.
A THEATRE IN NEED:
Recently I had my second opportunity to a part of a show at Soulstice Theatre and was reminded of what a wonderful group of people work to make their productions so engaging and wonderful. The shows are intimate and created with real people. The most delicious ingredient in their performances is the true love these people have for theatre and entertainment. The theatre is entering a rich and dark 10th season of shows, but can no longer remain in its current home at the Marian Center. They are in desperate need of funds to help secure a new and comfortable home – where they can most certainly continue their dedication to the excellence of locally grown Milwaukee theatre.
THE MAGIC INGREDIENT:
In a short amount of time – The Alchemist Theatre has made a very respectable name for itself in the theatre community of Milwaukee. It is a lovely small theatre that has a great location and wonderful appeal. The owners are committed to entertainment and providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for locally grown theatre. They have already taken steps to make theatre a more approachable choice for the community.
THE MADNESS IN MY MIND:
I have been developing the script and concept for a mini-Hamlet. The show is cut from its 4 ½ hour run to a much more manageable “less than two hour” production. The stage is clean, the lights minimal, and the pomp and circumstance is removed. We aren’t going to cover our Shakespeare up with showy costumes and effects. This is a raw and true telling of Hamlet. This is In My Mind’s Eye.
In My Mind’s Eye tells the story of Hamlet through the mad eyes of Hamlet. A fractured Hamlet – if you will. A breakdown of a breakdown. The full text of the tragedy is a resounding symphony of the perils of the human condition. Our selection of the text takes exclusively from the scenes that involve the titular character and present a stylized representation of Hamlet’s experience.
Technically the show is bare bones, but what the audience will experience is a visceral and deep production of Shakespeare’s tragedy through some of Milwaukee’s most natural upcoming talents. The context of the show is a dark and lush backdrop befitting such a tale as Hamlet.
Hamlet is such a fascinating character, because at all times the question is; is he mad or is it all just a show? My answer is – why can’t he be both? Macbeth’s insanity destroyed him, Lear finds redemption, Titus feigns madness to bring down corruption in Rome, but Hamlet realizes his condition and uses it to his advantage. He commands his madness.
The task of taking on the role of the Prince has been broken into six pieces; for Hamlet seems to have broken himself. The six actors will be representing the shattered aspects of Hamlet’s psyche – all created through some traumatic experience in his life. The shattered aspects of Hamlet then take control through the major scenes.
The show will be a complex story – simply presented. It will be accessible – yet intricate. It will be totally badass too.
YOU:
This is the part you come in – all these aspects will be coming together August 25-27 at the Alchemist Theatre in Bay View as an “all profits go to Soulstice Theatre” fundraiser event. Opening night will feature a silent auction and raffle of local goods and art at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge. I am asking for your help to make it the success I know it can be.
