BY WADE CHRIST NSEN
Can the Bard
Take a Joke?
Fortinbras thoughtfully sticks it to Shakespeare
Horatio (Ben Newman) and Fortinbras
f you have ever thought,
(Michael Walker) in Fortinbras
“You know, Hamlet is a
silly story,” or screamed
inside your head, “Kill
Claudius already; you’re
complex; we get it; get on
with it,” you should love
playwright Lee Blessing’s
comedy Fortinbras, now
playing at the Very Little
Theatre.
In Fortinbras, Blessing
attempts to sneak a discus-
sion about the complexities of
truth, power and death into
his hilarious script. The
VLT’s production grabs the
text and expands the comedy
to its full force. Director
Michael P. Watkins delivers a
show that keeps the audience
laughing and thinking the
whole time. In an attempt to
communicate Blessing’s play,
the cast delivers a rich show
and strong performances on a
simple yet effective set.
more topsy-turvy decisions, to the outrage of
The curtains pull back to reveal
Horatio.
Fortinbras’ opening scene, which happens to
Walker’s portrayal of Fortinbras is charis-
pick up where Hamlet ends. Immediately, we
matic, and we see him develop the character
are aware that the show will be a laugh fest —
through his relationships to others. Walker
even if it comes at Shakespeare’s expense.
tracks a character arc from arrogant and hap-
The ridiculousness of the scene is magnified
hazard to a reflective person attempting to fix
by being performed in slow-motion. Hamlet
the situation he created. His interactions with
(Vince Camillo) and Laertes (Jesse D. Lally)
Ophelia also allow Wolfenbarger to develop
fight while being cheered on by the rest of the
Ophelia as the show continues. Though she
royal family and friends. The decelerated act-
begins her performance with a crisp enuncia-
ing in the scene is convincing, best seen in the
tion that seems uncharacteristic of the piece,
reactions of Horatio (Benjamin Newman).
Wolfenbarger warms into the role nicely and
His fluid movement and oversized facial ex-
fills the character’s place in the show with
pressions help underline the slow-motion
great energy. At first, the up-front manner
scene.
Wolfenbarger gives Ophelia seems to be too
With the majority of Hamlet’s characters
much, but it later fills a vital place in story
dead, Fortinbras, Prince of Norway (Michael
and her character development.
Walker), enters dressed in a maroon-purple
Much of the show’s comedic force comes
suit, accessorized by his gleaming medallion.
from Newman’s Horatio and Tom Wilson’s
The scene proceeds with the Captain (Scott
Osric. The two characters share a physical
Shirk) removing the royal bodies in a comic
comedy relationship akin to the Three
manner — let’s just say Hamlet isn’t carried
Stooges but also work well as independent
away in high fashion. The show makes excel-
characters. Newman’s robotic spasms at the
lent use of blocking to piggyback on an al-
sound of Fortinbras’ lies are quite funny, as is
ready hilarious script.
the effeminate and people-pleasing aspect
Upon learning that he has become king of
Wilson gives Osric.
Denmark, Fortinbras decides that the true
The acting shines in front of the simple,
story of Hamlet is far too unbelievable and
clever set. The castle consists of a wall made
that a new story must be created. Crafting a
of metal siding that folds open to create new
tale about a Polish spy, Fortinbras creates a
sets in front of the plain, white lights. This
tangle of lies and military action that he can’t
simplicity fits well with the rest of the pro-
control. Here we see the show begin to make
duction. The sound design, on the other hand,
commentary outside of its comedic frame
adds more uproar as set changes are per-
with lines like, “We need someone we can
formed to songs like The Buggles’ “Video
hate, right here, right now,” and “Kings don’t
Killed the Radio Star” and Steppenwolf’s
make mistakes anyway; they reassess poli-
“Magic Carpet Ride.”
cies.”
Whether you’re looking for inquisitive
As the lies spiral out of control, Fortinbras
social commentary, all out laughs or
encounters the ghosts of Polonius (Don
Shakespeare lampooned, you’ll be getting
Kelley), Ophelia (Cate Wolfenbarger),
your money’s worth at Fortinbras.
Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius (Don Aday) and
ew
Gertrude (Sharon Wetterling). Seduced by
Fortinbras runs through June 23. Tix are available at
344-7751.
Ophelia, Fortinbras begins to make even
SALSA
DANCE!
With DJ Mario Mora
Plus Special Guest
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from Corvallis
Free lessons: 8pm-9pm
Dancing: 9pm-1:30am
All ages welcome • Cover $5
FRIDAY, JUNE 8
Vet’s Club Ballroom
1626 Willamette St.
info:517-5238 or mario@salsamora.com
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JUNE 7, 2007
JOHN BAUGUESS
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