Camp Shakespeare Kids Tackle Hamlet – With the Brakes Off
Hamlet “To be, or not to be; ay, there’s the point.
To die, to sleep: is that all? Ay, all.
No, to sleep, to dream; ay marry, there it goes.”
Thus begins Hamlet’s famous soliloquy from the 1603 quarto version of “The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.”
Since its discovery in 1823, in the closet of an amateur collector of dramatic literature, the “1603 Hamlet” has titillated scholars and audiences alike, drawing them in with the mystery of its 220year disappearance, as well as its similarities and differences with the famous first folio Hamlet, printed in 1623. The most pronounced difference being the pace and momentum of the text. As professor Doc Ayres puts it, “It’s Hamlet with the breaks off!”
A new group of Camp Shakespeareans arrived in Fayette County on Sunday, June 28 to begin their literary exploration of this unique text. Their adventure will culminate in three public performances. Founded in 2000 by University of Texas professor emeritus Jim (Doc) Ayres, Camp Shakespeare provides young people the opportunity to explore Shakespeare through performance with as much rigor and care as their college-age counterparts in the Shakespeare at Winedale program, also started by Doc Ayres, in 1964, and which has called Winedale home since 1970. Today, Ayres enjoys the role of “Director of Mission,” working with students on the language, having passed the directorship of Camp Shakespeare to Robin Grace Soto.
“The story of Hamlet is deeply familiar to many people,” Soto says. “At its heart, this play asks what it means to find your place in a complicated world, to wrestle with questions of identity, responsibility, grief, and purpose. These are questions our Campers encounter in their own lives as they grow and discover who they are. Hamlet invites us to look closely, to think deeply, and to act with courage. It is a story filled with heartbreak and humanity, and we are honored to watch these young Shakespeareans bring this extraordinary play to life. We think you will enjoy the 1603 version as well!” Reservations for the performances are recommended but not required. For additional information about performance dates, times, and locations and to make your reservation please email robingracesoto@utexas. edu or call (512) 471-8743.