By Rachel Bell
Most students and adults know the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Even fewer know of other Shakespeare works like Hamlet. But juniors Sam Krapfl and Luke Moran and sophomore Martin Benesh know it forwards and backwards–literally.
Typically, speech groups pick relatable pieces about everyday life, but “(In)complete Works Of Shakespeare, Abridged” decided to go out of the box. The rapid-fire performance in which the students act out, explain, and poke fun at various Shakespeare classics and unknowns was bound to be a winner from the start.
Yet, no act can be successful without ample practice. “We practiced once or twice a week, but it depends on when the next contest was,” said Moran.
Practice makes perfect, and it was necessary for this group, as the script was not easy. “It took us a few weeks to learn the script,” said Krapfl. “Hamlet and backwards Hamlet took the longest.”
Even their characterization was spot on. As Krapfl sat atop Moran’s shoulders, with his blonde hair flowing, crying for Romeo, nobody in the audience second guessed the character of Lady Juliet–even if she was a man. “Characterization is a big thing because all of our characters are very different and high energy,” said Krapfl.
The seemingly natural act appears smooth to the watcher’s eye, due to the closeness of the group. “I just get to joke around with my dear friends,” said Moran. However, when every factor is put together, “(In)complete Works Of Shakespeare, Abridged“ runs like a well oiled machine–one good enough to perform at All-State.
