Published: March 26, 2009 08:12 pm      

University players present an imaginative original play

COMMERCE — “We are such stuff as dreams are made on....”

The Texas A&M University-Commerce University Players present “Shakespeare’s Ontological Magick Circus,” an imaginative original play written and directed by Dr. John Hanners.

More than any other author, the Bard holds up a mirror to nature and explains what it is to be human; “ontology” is the science of the study of being.

On a stage resembling a three-ring circus, talented and versatile players Ben Ozuna, A’Mari Rocheleau, Nathan Jacobs, Morgan Garrett and Alex Embry examine Shakespeare’s poems and plays in an accessible, enjoyable and fast-paced production. From “Richard II” to “The Tempest,” from tragedy to high and low comedy and from the bombastic acting style to the method acting style, the players delve into the words of the world’s most famous author. Shakespeare wrote 27 plays and 140 sonnets and contributed zillions of familiar expressions, such as “Your own flesh and blood,” “That is Greek to me,” “Give the devil his due” and “The play’s the thing.”

With only a few props and costumes selected from a stage “closet,” cast members recite sonnets and perform scenes from Shakespeare’s plays in various acting styles.

The “Othello” sequence shows Iago as a modern, naturalistic actor with Othello performing in an exaggerated manner.

In an exciting action scene from “Romeo and Juliet” Mercutio and Tybalt engage in swordplay, and Romeo’s friend Mercutio is killed. Then Romeo seeks vengeance and kills Tybalt.

Bucolic clown Nick Bottom emotes like crazy in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The three witches from “Macbeth” arrive complete with bubbling cauldron and a wavering skull.

In an example of high comedy in “As You Like It,” Rosalind is disguised as a boy, who in turn pretends to be fair Rosalind to true love Orlando.

Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, gives a mournful description of Ophelia’s death by drowning.

With special appearances by Dolly and Billy Ray, the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet” is performed “Nashville-style.”

Involving and fascinating, “Shakespeare’s Ontological Magick Circus” is a unique theatrical event even for folks who believe that the old Elizabethan dramatist has nothing to offer to the modern world. Playwright and director Hanners has made Will Shakespeare fresh and relevant.

Gary Burton designed the circus set. Donna Deverell designed the costumes. Jacob I. Layton designed the lighting, and Matt Plummer designed the sound.

Angela Owens was the props designer, and Venkat Maddali was the graphics designer. Samantha Grace served as hair and makeup designer.

“Shakespeare’s Ontological Magick Circus” continues today and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., and again April 2-4 at 8 p.m. and April 5 at 3 p.m. Middle and high school students will attend the production March 26-27 and April 2-3.

For ticket information, call the University Box Office at 903-886-5900.



Reese is entertainment writer for the Herald-Banner.