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Illuminating a Dream - The Independent Theater Company Debuts with a Fresh
Production of Hamlet
By Valerie Markva
Confidence in the life-long dream to perform Shakespeare was the
essential agent that moved Derek Short to form an independent theater.
Derek comes from an extensive collegiate background in theater, having
studied at the University of Michigan and a conservatory in New York. Upon
returning to his hometown of Bay City, he found himself resting comfortably
within the folds of his new marriage and work at his father's business.
A casual stir of fate re-awakened the sincere desire to perform when
Kenneth Branagh's A Mid Winter's Tale fell into the hands (or VCR) of Derek
Short. Similar to Derek's own aspirations, the character in the movie had
given his life a deadline to play Hamlet. The character, daring to pull out
his life savings to fund the production, went out to find actors. After
bringing them to his hometown, they put on a production of Hamlet.
This movie had an astounding affect on Derek. The parallel struck him with
motivation to brave the risks involved in forming an independent theater.
Head reeling with excitement, Derek though in bewilderment that may people
have ideas of a similar nature, but never actually carry them through. In
support of the idea, his wife encouraged Derek to look beyond possible
complications, reminding him of the benefits.
Presently, with rehearsal session in full swing, Derek admits "I have found
that it is rewarding and like the fact that I have total control. As far as
designing the show from the ground up, I make all the decisions. Aside from
getting married, this is the most exciting event of my life."
Community Theater vs. Independent
One might think it logical to audition for the part of Hamlet at an
established organization rather than attempt to build an independent
theater. Yet, the benefits of control and decision making branch into
several areas.
"I have found that the community theater can be tied down to different
sensibilities and standards of 'decency' - a narrow window. Whereas in
college the door was wide open as far as what you could do on stage - they
removed the leash."
"More or less, in community theater anything remotely risqué falls under
harsh controversy. Some locals are trying to break out of the traditional
mold - to use Pit & Balcony for example. They have done a lot of really
neat stuff. This season is closing with a production of Tommy."
Knowledge of the area's genre of plays reiterates the initial reason why
Derek chose to form his own theater. "I found in this area that they don't
do Shakespeare on an adult level at all. For someone like myself, who comes
from a classical background, it's hard not to have an outlet."
"I drink, sleep, dream, breathe Shakespeare - it's difficult to feel like I
can't perform it. Like any other addict, you come to a point where you do
things that are a little desperate. I'm not saying this is an act of
desperation, but I definitely feel I'm taking steps toward getting my fix!"
It is said that when an actor performs he slips into another person,
leaving himself behind. Has Derek found as actor, director and producer,
that it is overwhelming to jump into character then back into himself to
face demanding decisions required of directing?
"It was distracting the first week, being that I never acted and directed
simultaneously before. Normally, an actor gets into the frame of mind and
stays there throughout the show. Whereas now, I have to go completely out
of character mode and into director mode. As in film & television, there
are a lot of stops and starts - big gaps. The first week I was tearing my
hair out and felt like my acting was 'flat'."
"Then I realized I was juggling two sides of my brain. Directing on the
analytical side and acting on the creative side. But I learned to expect it
and adapt to the job. The rehearsals are going great, and we're way ahead
of schedule."
Challenge and More
Related to the early challenges of the job, Derek reveals that even
the intricate details can be difficult at times.
"As director, aside from monitoring the scenes - making sure there's good
flow to communicate the story, I'm working with Jeff Steger on the fight
scene. It is probably the toughest scene. We both have certifications in
stage combat, but we still have to work hard to smooth out the kinks."
"We have a strong and good cast, many of whom are seasoned veterans of area
theater. Some are in other plays so I have to adopt a really flexibly
schedule, so my actors aren't under-rehearsed and so their needs aren't
neglected. I'm very happy with them. We have a lot of good talent."
A Modern Day Hamlet
In Mark Lamo's (The Tempest) director's note, he stated that in
Shakespeare's day they would always stage contemporary props regardless of
the time period in which the play is set. Gaining the ability to manipulate
the time period without losing the original sense of the play requires
tedious effort. Derek believes that adapting a classic work into a
contemporary time period is carrying on Shakespearean tradition.
"Our production of Hamlet is in modern dress, Denmark year 2000. The
soldiers will carry AK-47s and wear modern uniforms."
The original Hamlet took place in Dark Ages Denmark. Shakespeare based his
story on a legend about Prince Amleth written by the Danish Chroniclers.
Many settings of this play have been adapted into another time period.
Derek adds, "this play has been done for 400 years, so to have it take
place during the Renaissance era is redundant. It's actually harder to work
with it - to be creative and take advantage of the endless possibilities."
Bringing Theater to the Youth
Derek feels that it is important to expand the base audience, so
keeping that in mind he seeks to draw in youth as well as adults.
"Our aim is to bring young people in by doing different and interesting
works. Our modern version of Hamlet is a good start, so we're moving in the
right direction."
Realism vs. Fantasy
Time for change in the world of theater was spawned by the
allowance of creative expression in college, and Derek pursues this
awareness with an increasing sense of urgency.
"I look at theater from a realistic standpoint," he reflects. "Life isn't
all rosy and theater should portray the reality of life. I strive to
incorporate a sense of realism into the theater. Thirty to forty years ago,
Rogers & Hammerstein musicals painted a very rosy picture of the way life
should be, and they were very popular. People from that generation are more
likely to frequent live entertainment and expect a similar brand of works."
"Our contemporaries grew up with the media and now the Internet. A lot of
classic works don't interest them. It's great stuff, but it tends not to be
very edgy. So I want to do the stuff that will really interest younger
generations. Now I'm in the position where I have the opportunity to make
that choice."
"We're going to be doing the classics, but I hope that our interpretations
are fresh and original enough to bring in a younger audience."
Having a multitude of support - a mother-in-law willing to make costumes, a
wife willing to support a dream, and a talented team of actors all
completes and pulls the elements together, which started with one man's
idea to form an independent theater group.
Derek encourages aspiring actors to "not let anyone push you around - don't
let anyone tell you that you 'can't'. To an actor that phrase simply does
not exist. If you want to get the most out of your creativity, don't look
at things from the basis of what's appropriate and what isn't, look at all
aspects and don't be afraid to explore the possibilities."
An 'Independent Theater Company Production presents William Shakespeare's
'Hamlet' on May 4-6, May 12-13, and May 18-20 at 7:30 PM in Saginaw Valley
State University's 'Black Box' Theater (C-180, Curtis Hall). Tickets are
now on sale and 'donation' price is $12.00 for all seats.
Call 891-9277 or request tickets through their website:
www.independenttheater,org.
Tickets are also available at Cashman's Comics in Bay City.
Cast members - Derek Short o Hamlet
Bill Meier - Claudius
Deborah Davenport - Gertrude
Jeff Steger - Laertes
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