Play Within a Play

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were any of Shakespeare's works. Hamlet is a particularly noted play, for the difficulty of the lead role is a category of art unto itself. One must distinguish between feigned madness and true lunacy, and portray both flawlessly. In Alex Hyde-White's fantasy documentary, Three Days of Hamlet, he assembles a cast (with himself as the lead part of Prince Hamlet) to stage a beautifully rendered stage performance of Hamlet in a mere three days. What follows is a transcendent experience, for the cast begins to emulate the script as tensions mount and Hyde-White confuses his character's plight with his own paternal relationship. In other words, it's way meta. The Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-727-7271 or www.landmarktheatres.com) screens Three Days of Hamlet with Hyde-White in attendance for questions at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the Tivoli box office.
Wed., April 18, 2012