Actors From the London Stage infuse the spirit of Shakespeare into UT classrooms, bringing with them the tragedy and comedy embodied in “Hamlet.” The troupe of five travels only with what they can fit in their bags because as actors, directors and collaborators, they are the show.
“It’s like watching the play ‘Hamlet’ but also watching this weird game where you have to figure out the rules and how they are going to solve all these problems created by the fact that there’s only five actors doing over a dozen characters,” said David Kornhaber, AFTLS stage organizer and English professor.
For one week each year, AFTLS brings the magic of Shakespeare to UT. The renowned company, composed of classically trained actors, began holding residencies at UT in the late 1970s. This year’s troupe arrived on Tuesday, where they lead discussions and workshops in a range of classes from Ethics to 20th-century Drama. Their visit culminates with three performances of “Hamlet,” running from Thursday to Saturday, offering students and the Austin community an opportunity to see a unique rendition of Shakespeare.
Actor Michael “Waggy” Wagg portrays Polonius and several other characters in this weekend’s production after lecturing to two classes. Wagg said the troupe prides itself on entering any class, discipline and subject with a unique perspective.
“We’re not coming in to teach what we do,” Wagg said. “We’re coming in to explore and share the world of the rehearsal room and the world of Shakespeare’s theater-making. Shakespeare’s so brilliant; it meets the world at every point.”
For over 25 years, English professor Elizabeth Cullingford has welcomed AFTLS actors into her classroom to show students how to turn text into performance.
“It is the emphasis on language as something that you have to get up on your feet and speak as opposed to … something you would read or study,” Cullingford said. “Shakespeare never had any intention of anybody studying him.”
Psychology senior Taylor McQuiddy met two AFTLS actors in her Intro to LGBTQ Studies class, where they read a scene from the musical “Fun Home” by Lisa Kron. She said after this experience, she would like to speak up in class more.
“My favorite part is how they got us out of the seats and interact with people in a lecture hall,” McQuiddy said. “Usually, it’s awkward to turn around in your seats and try to talk to people. The way that they did it today was so much more casual.”
Kornhaber said that while attending classes is the heart of the visit, the shows are meant for the public.
“If you’re not already committed to Shakespeare, (attending ‘Hamlet’) is a great entryway because it is so accessible, inviting (and) engrossing,” Kornhaber said. “I would encourage everyone, even if you’ve never seen the Shakespeare plays, to come make this your first.”
