Mad Boy... Beyond Thunderdome?

Mad Boy Chronicle

Last night I went to hear Mad Boy Chronicle at the University of
Lethbridge. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the play, the story
is loosley based on Shakespeare's Hamlet. I say loosely because though
the entire script has been rewritten by Michael o'Brien, the characters
parallel many of the familiar roles found in Hamlet. Claudius is a raging
tyrant viking, Ophelia a warrior tom-boy, and Hamlet is now Horvendal -
earbiting lunatic follower of Christ. Well, a version of Christ, anyway.

Turning my focus towards a specific aspect of productions (this comes
after having seen countless productions and becoming overly critical of
the smallest details), for Mad Boy Chronicle let me tell you about the
fight choreography.

Earlier this year I attended a workshop at the University being presented
by Kevin Kruchkywich. Kevin is a professional fight choreographer who has
spent the last number of weeks working with the cast on the play's various
stunts. This proved to be very helpful for my own acting skills, but also
because it allowed me some valuable insight into last night's show.

Overall I would rate the skill of the players as very high. Because the
play tells the story of the barabian Danes, the violence seemed very
realistic. From stabbing each other with daggers, to scalping, to battle
axe fights, the show suceeds in overcoming our disbelief. Knives
disappeared into flesh, hair was tangled up in fists, and actors really
appeared to be injured.

There was one component that was missing. Adam Cope's performance of
Fengo was a highlight of the show, he missed a crucial element after Fengo
had his hamstrings slashed at the close of Act 1. For the rest of the
play, Fengo must walk with the aid of a pair of canes. It isn't long
before Cope is moving independently of these: a surprising feat for
someone who has been this seriously wounded. It was obvious that Cope was
crossing about the stage without putting full weight onto the canes.

Overall, this show was highly entertaining; even if you happen to be or
not to be a fan of the Bard.

Reporting LIVE,

R