HHS To Stage Hamlet!

The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark has been a part of the English curriculum for the 11th grade for many years. Every year students read the tragedy in class, learning and discussing one of William Shakespeare's most popular plays. But this year, students are getting to do more than just read the play. They’re getting to see it performed, up close and personal. Eleventh graders are getting a free sneak peek at the performance of Hamlet on Thursday, November 16th, courtesy of the Homer Shakespearean Society, one day before the actual performance.

When asked if they were excited to be performing in front of their peers, one actor (Benjamin Hyde, junior) said “I feel that it is beneficial to the students because it gives them a more interactive way of learning and understanding the play, rather than having a monotone voice read it in the classroom.”.

When asked if this would be something that should, perhaps, be done every year, the response was, “ The fact that I get to be a part of something that only comes around once in awhile is quite an honor.” When asked further if they thought it should be performed every year for juniors, it was said that in doing so it would lose its significance. “I’m grateful that it’s something that I get to do and not something that just anyone gets to volunteer for,” said Brenden Haskins (senior).

Teachers are excited to be taking their classes to see a performance. “This presents a unique opportunity for students to witness their peers performing the play they are currently reading,” said Mr. Hatch. “Academically, I think there’s benefits, but I think it might help them enjoy the play more too.” With the play being rife with drama, sword fights, and blood, it’d be a surprise if they didn’t. Another teacher responded, “I think it always helps students understand a play when they can see it the way it was intended, “ said Mrs. Andersen.

Not everyone is getting the chance to see the play performed for them, however. Underclassmen who have not yet read Hamlet in class were asked if they were disappointed that this was an opportunity they were missing. “Yes, because it shows us things that’s happening other than in our classroom and it’s relating to things we’re doing in English,” said Alina Hyer (freshman). When asked if they would like the play to be available to them their junior year, one response was, “I feel like I would want to because it will help us understand the play better and it would help us connect to the story,” said Melanie McUmber (freshman).

Hamlet has created a lot of buzz throughout the school. Teachers and students of all grades are getting excited for this timeless classic. So if you’re interested in seeing the performance, you better stop by November 17th and 18th at 7:30 in the Homer High School auditorium!