iHamlet coming to Cape Town

iHamlet is a postmodern 60-minute take on one of Shakespeare's longest plays. "Firstly, this will be an authentically South African Hamlet, adapted, directed and performed by South Africans," said director and designer Jade Bowers. "It's also Hamlet for an iPad, iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Facebook, Twitter, Wi-Fi, i-generation. These social networking spaces are effectively the new platforms for the performances and monologues of everyday life."

A tour de force

Robin Malan adapted the work specifically for playwright and performer Ashraf Johaardien. "Here we have Hamlet crystallised, Hamlet himself, by himself, being himself, speaking himself, revealing himself, through the medium of one particular actor," Malan said.

A review by Lesley Stones had the following praise for the leading man: "It's a demanding role for Johaardien, whose emotions encompass playful and humourous, paranoid and deranged, thoughtful then enraged and vengeful. He struts across the stage, hurls books, and rolls across his throne in a constant tide of activity." Another review by Judge Edwin Cameron was equally positive: "I have never been quite sure what a 'tour de force' is, but surely it must apply." This is clearly a performance not to be missed!

Tickets start at R90 and can be purchased from Computicket or by calling +27 (0)21 438 3301.