Strollers Theatre

Hamlet Press

A few links from Madison newspapers promoting Hamlet. First, the Isthmus’ Kristian Knutsen talking to producer Karen Saari and filmmaker Rob Matsushita:

“A lot of Shakespeare productions today are done in a different context, set in World War II or the modern day,” she says. “Jeff’s vision was to present it in the time period Shakespeare intended: medieval Denmark, set in the 900s. Hamlet is such a classic tale in so many genres. It’s a ghost story, it’s about the pursuit of vengeance, or justice, depending on your point of view, and it is a tragedy in every sense. It’s interesting to note that it almost seems novel to set it in its intended time period.”

The play has been pared down from its full-length five acts in four hours presentation. “It’s one of the tightest, fastest productions of Hamlet I’ve seen,” says playwright and filmmaker Rob Matsushita, who has shot a pair of trailers for Strollers to promote the show.

Second, The Badger Herald’s Vicki Pietrus interviewing director Jeff Knupp and producer Karen Saari:

If the skeptical theatergoer is concerned about this tragedy being too tall a project for community theater, producer Saari said, “We’re very fortunate to have an amazing pool of local talent in Madison. This truly is a local all-star cast. Strollers has a number of incredibly talented participants both on and off stage who are also incredibly giving. From Jeff as a director, to the designers, to the stage manager and in between, everyone has given so much that it’s hard to feel like we’re missing anything by being a community theater. I like to think that as long as we’re professional in conduct and attitude, that’s most important. And the end result is an amazing production.”

Saari further developed this necessity to see the production.

“We sometimes forget just why it’s a classic. It’s a riveting tale of the pursuit of justice … or vengeance, depending on your point of view. It’s also a ghost story, a heartbreaking love story, and the ultimate tragedy,” she said.