News and Events

Press Releases

Pepperdine Theatre Department Presents William Shakespeare's Hamlet

One of the best known and most quoted plays in the English language comes to Pepperdine as the University's Fine Arts Division Theatre Department presents William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. Performances run Tuesday through Saturday, Apr. 8 to 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Smothers Theatre on the Malibu campus. A. Bryan Humphrey directs the student cast.

Humphrey's unconventional production sets the 16 actors in a run-through "rehearsal" of the play, highlighting the themes of truth and appearance in Shakespeare's work. Pepperdine adjunct professor Rick Aglietti's set design consists of multilevel platforms in various stages of construction, while resident designer Carol Ann Hack's costumes are basic rehearsal clothes with occasional Shakespearian elements added. There will be a forum for discussion immediately following Wednesday's performance.

A visiting assistant professor of theatre at Pepperdine since fall 2007, Humphrey has almost 30 years of directing and acting experience. Additionally, he has authored four adaptations of Shakespeare's plays and has teaching experience from Ohio University, Baylor University, University of Northern Colorado, and McLennan Community College. He received both B.A. (theatre) and M.A. (directing) degrees from Baylor.

Hamlet tickets are priced at $15 for the public, $10 for full-time Pepperdine students with ID, and $12 for Pepperdine faculty and staff with ID. For more information and tickets, please contact the Smothers Theatre Box Office at (310) 506-4522 or visit the Center for the Arts Web site.