Hamalot: Pantomime Soliloquy
Inspired after seeing the "Enter Hamlet" (Fred Mogubgub, Classic Pop Animation short, 1960s), which still cartoon drawing animated every single word, and by the fact that many people know virtually the entire speech or could with some prompting, I can envision the entire speech performed as if it was a game of Charades.
Could be placed well out of normal sequence and plot, possibly merged in after or replacing the library scene.
Lead-in with Gertrude etc asking Hamlet what is it that troubles him so
Hamlet replies with "words... words..." or similar
Polonius suggests that somehow they divine his madness by watching his actions carefully.
Hamlet then performs JUST key words (just one or two per sentence)
while onlookers (Gertrude, Polonius, audience) guess along.
Example:
To Be (holds up two fingers, then cheerleader letter b arms)
or (rowing like canoe)
not (ties big knot in air rope)
to be (two fingers, pretend buzzing wings)
that (points sternly at air)
is the question (looks quizzical, maybe air ?)
whether (weather, rain, umbrella pantomime)
it is nobler (knightly walk, crown)
in the mind (points at head)
to suffer the slings and arrows (pretend shot in chest from bow)
of outrageous fortune (money sack/ winning scratch off/ opening cookie)
or to take arms (rolls up sleeves, pat "guns", assume boxing stance)
against a sea of troubles (bobbing, drowning in waves)
and by opposing (mime wall push)
end them (cutoff sign, wipe brow)
To die (croak head over)
to sleep (lay head on hands)
...
At each point the spectators would shout out the actual words, as if they were just getting them, and enjoying a fun party game together.
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2006.01.01