By Natalee Kerr
A dark, yet fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s classic characters is on its way to Geelong next month.
Enter Ophelia is a local production creating a vastly different future for Shakespeare’s once famed drowned damsel, Ophelia.
Founder Sophie Lampel said the production is “a dark comedy that re-examines Shakespeare’s world”.
“We wanted to give Ophelia her own story and voice,” she said.
“Ophelia was once a woman who was told what to do, where to stand and what to think.
“In our production she is no longer that – instead she has questions, opinions and the ability to take charge of her own fate.
“We’ve put her in the spotlight to bring her world to life.”
The 44-year old said the production is made up of five women, including her and four other cast members.
“We are women retelling Shakespeare’s Hamlet from a female perspective,” Lampel said.
“Each of us embodies a variety of ensemble characters through a narration style production.”
The show is the work of Geelong-based Essential Theatre in collaboration with Melbourne’s Three Birds Theatre.
Lampel runs Essential Theatre along with a former drama school friend Amanda LaBonte who both share a “love” for Shakespeare.
“Amanda and I have been touring our other production Shakespeare in the Vines for 17 years,” Lampel said.
“We wanted to collaborate on something new for 2019 – that’s where Enter Ophelia came into the picture.”
Lampel said the production has “re-interpreted” the Shakespeare text and made it “more contemporary”.
“Enter Ophelia appeals to both older and younger audiences, everyone is able to relate to and enjoy this production,” Lampel said as she spoke from her Friday rehersal.
“Our one hour show takes the audience on a roller coaster ride.
“It’s funny, punchy, witty, sharp and fast-paced production with heaps of slick movements.
“There’s no costume changes, no major props – it’s just us on stage for the entire time.”
Following a sold-out premiere season in Melbourne, Enter Ophelia has hit the roads again for a regional tour through Victoria and New South Wales.
“It’s our first time in Geelong with this production which is super exciting,” Lampel said.
“Geelong has always been a great audience for us during our previous productions, so we can’t wait to bring something new down here.”
Enter Ophelia will be at Geelong Performing Arts Centre for two performances from 8-9 May.
For more information and tickets visit www.gpac.org.au/event/1176/enter-ophelia.
