Reinterpreting William Shakespeare has been a cornerstone of Western theater for much of the post-modern era. From the existentialist comedies of Tom Stoppard to the multitude of modernized adaptations, reworking themes and characters that are nearly 500 years old has proved to be a fruitful endeavor for artists.
Now, the University Department of Theatre Arts is about to add another addition to this history of interpretation with the new work “Ophelia’s Mother.”
The new play, which will receive a reading Friday night in the Robinson Theatre at 7:30, was chosen as part of the theatre art’s department’s new First Flights program, which is a meant to give new, unproduced plays a chance to receive reading and, eventually, full productions.
“Ophelia’s Mother” was chosen out of 79 submissions from around the country, said Jeffrey Mason, the head of the Department of Theatre Arts.
“This department has a history of doing new works,” Mason said. “Things like Jon Schmor’s ‘This Ship of Fools’ production and the New Voices program are good examples. Now, we’re looking to bring this together and make it something the department is known for.”
The play, written by Suzanne Kehde and Jean Pickering, takes Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and tells it from the eyes of the title character, Eleanor. Integrating major scenes from the original play, the new piece deals with the issue of whether or not Eleanor will assert her birthright and claim the throne of Denmark.
“The play offers a great opportunity for the actresses,” director and theatre arts graduate student Jennifer Thomas said. “It tells the story from their perspective.”
Cast member and junior theatre arts major Danielle Kardum, who plays Eleanor, had similar sentiments.
“I’m excited to read this role,” Kardum said. “The role of Eleanor is challenging. She’s a strong woman full of wit and integrity.”
Along with the reading of the play, the audience also will be treated to a discussion afterward where they can ask questions of the playwrights, director and cast. While “Ophelia’s Mother” will only be receiving a reading at this point, Mason said the First Flights program will eventually be a forum for complete performance of unproduced works, though no productions have been scheduled yet. The program does have another reading scheduled though, Carlos Morton’s “Brown Baby,” which will be read June 1.
Submissions for the First Flights program can be sent to the Department of Theatre Arts between October and May. All submissions must be unproduced and written in standard stage playwriting style. More information about the submission process can be found through the program’s Web site, http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Etadept/FirstFlights/.
The reading of “Ophelia’s Mother” is free and open to the public.