Heart-wrenching Hamlet: Tears worth spilt

National Theatre Live's Hamlet
Review by Andrea Vermaak

Hamlet (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Photo by John Persson

The stars – William Shakespeare, Benedict Cumberbatch and director Lyndsey Turner – have aligned to present National Theatre Live’s theatrical phenomena, Hamlet. Were it that Shakespeare were still alive to see his longest, and very likely most performed play with such life breathed into it that it instils a hushed awe of deeply emotional proportions in a captivated audience, he, like I, would weep.

I knew from the first scene that it was going to be intense, but amazing. Although I watched the live theatre performance from a Cinema Nouveau seat in Pretoria, South Africa, the atmospheric production was as great and intense an experience as sitting in the Barbican in London itself.

Hamlet (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Photo by Johan Persson

It’s as if Shakespeare knew that Cumberbatch was to play Hamlet, and wrote the role especially for him. Cumberbatch’s genius performance is heart-wrenching to the core. He takes on the immense role head-on, physically embracing the very essence of Hamlet’s loaded speeches. Hamlet’s frustration, anger, pain and grief visibly courses through Cumberbatch’s veins, leaving the audience in a pool of their own tears. During interval, a friend turned to me and said, eyes wide, “I can feel it.” All I could do was nod in agreement, rendered speechless at Cumberbatch’s magnificent performance. I can still feel it.

No matter how many times I’ve read or watched Hamlet, Cumberbatch introduced me to Hamlet as if for the first time. I now can’t imagine anyone else playing Hamlet but Cumberbatch. Give him all the awards possible.

Ophelia (Siân Brooke)

Photo by Johan Persson

New life is also breathed into the rest of the characters. No character is left to be pondered upon, but is as real and true as the stage on which the actors stand. Cornelius (Ciarán Hinds) and Gertrude (Anastasia Hill) are more infuriating than ever. Cornelius is perfectly showcased as the sinister king he is, while Gertrude’s weaknesses are left bare on her wedding feast table for all to see.

Laertes (Kobna Holdbrook-Smith) is the definition of blood boiling, calculated action, counteracting Hamlet’s depressive procrastination and irrational actions perfectly. Siân Brooke embodies Ophelia’s innocence, confusion and mad grief like no other actress before her. Like Cumberbatch to Hamlet, Brooke climbs into Ophelia’s very soul and pulls her out, leaving the wretched maid exposed and raw as I’m sure Shakespeare intended.

Although brief, Karl Johnson’s performances as the Ghost of Hamlet’s father and the Gravedigger, is spine-chilling and endearing, respectively. Polonius (Jim Norton) is, for once, also somewhat endearing in his awkward ignorance and irritating incoherence, while Horatio (Leo Bill) is the ever loyal, but now also ‘hip’ friend everyone wants to have, making Hamlet as relevant for our times as it was when first performed in 1601.

Karl Johnson (Ghost of Hamlet's Father)
in Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre
Photo by Johan Persson

Turner’s use of modern costume and sets also makes Hamlet a suave and relevant production. Her flawless direction also does absolute justice to the masterpiece. She creates an ominous atmosphere through emotionally charged speech (only some may realise that the heart of the production, Hamlet's 'To be or not to be?' speech, is newly positioned in the script, yet cleverly adds to the dark atmosphere), magnificent visual artistry, and transitions as smooth and natural as the acting. Deep, thundering sound, and impressive lighting gives, like Cumberbatch’s performance, physical effect to the horror and grief that lies within Hamlet’s soul, leaving the audience unsettled. The moving set is what Aristotle would call spectacular, cleverly used to its utmost potential. In all, this production of Hamlet is mesmerising and magically breathtaking to say the very least.

Personally, this production of Hamlet left me weeping, but wanting more. I went to watch it twice, but would have gone to the cinema as many times as I could, had I the time and money. Some may call me a masochist, but I would gladly be left penniless and exhausted if I could watch this particular interpretation live. It stirred something deep within my subconscious, holding a mirror up to my inner Hamlet, though I’ve read Hamlet at least three times, and seen a few other interpretations of the play (yes, Hamlet is my soul brother; my spirit animal. Of this I am convinced). To put it bluntly, I was kicked in my already raw emotions, but it is the kind of catharsis I would gladly experience again.

Ciarán Hinds (Claudius) in Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre
Photo by Johan Persson

I could gush for eternity about this production, but I fear I would run out of adjectives, too many of which I have already used. I also fear that I may become as verbose as Polonius, if I am not so already. I will, however, leave you with this: Every time I encounter the Danish prince, I learn something new. Cumberbatch, Turner, as well as the rest of cast and crew, reminded me of everything I already knew and taught me everything I still need to learn about Hamlet. I am now fulfilled, although also heartbroken, in Hamlet. National Theatre Live’s Hamlet is a production of spectacular proportions that would leave even its author in tears.  

Gertrude (Anastasia Hille) and Hamlet (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Photo by Johan Persson

Images courtesy of National Theatre Live.

A unique South African novel kicks off

Soccer Farm

An autobiographical novel by Lourens Erasmus

Soccer Farm by Lourens Erasmus

I have been privileged to edit a few books this year, but one that stands out is Soccer Farm by Lourens Erasmus. It is one of few books I had no problem waking up for, knowing that I would be able to continue with Erasmus on his unique childhood adventure, while I worked on his book.

Soccer Farm is the true story of two young boys who grow up on a farm in South Africa during the early 1980s. Erasmus, the White son of a respected farmer, befriends Bareng Moloantoa, the Black son of one of the farm workers. It is the height of apartheid and integration of different races is something that is completely unacceptable as per official policy of the government of the day. The White Afrikaner community is very supportive of this policy as a result of continuous indoctrination from the government.

When Bareng introduces Erasmus to soccer, he immediately falls in love with the game. The boys start their own soccer team on the farm and it is not long before they have a whole ‘league’ running.

Erasmus not only faces rejection from his school peers, as soccer is considered a ‘Black sport’, but has to deal with numerous confrontations with teachers, his parents and the White community in general as he interacts more and more with the Black community on a social level. But he refuses to give up on his beloved sport and his friendship with Bareng.

The two boys have many adventures and experiences on and off the soccer field, some good, some bad, some funny, some sad. Through roller-coaster times they support each other and their friendship grows stronger.

This story is about friendship and how living a dream together can overcome even the largest obstacles. It also shows how sport, especially the beautiful game of soccer, can bring people from different backgrounds together.

Soccer Farm pulls on your heartstrings more than a few times and presents a unique perspective of intolerance through the eyes of a young boy who refuses to be tainted by politics and the opinions of society. This book is truly inspirational, and refreshingly positive and uplifting for a book that deals with racial issues. Erasmus really shows us how to love one another despite our differences. His story of hope shows how determination and perseverance, even in the toughest situations, can overcome anything. Soccer Farm is a book that everyone, not only South Africans, should read and re-read.

About the author:

Lourens Erasmus was born in Thabazimbi, South Africa, where he grew up on a farm. He matriculated in 1987.

Benoit Knox, Lourens Erasmus and Dr Henning Gericke
at a live discussion on 27 November 2014

He always dreamt of becoming a detective and after school he joined the South African Police. He was soon forced by his superiors to resign, as he did not agree with the police’s involvement in the political situation.

He went on to study a B.A. degree at the University of Potchefstroom, but left soon after to follow his passion for fighting crime. He joined the Military Police, but again it was not long before politics interfered and he was at loggerheads with his superiors.

After he resigned from the military, he pursued a career in the private security industry and obtained a diploma in Security Management. He later became a private investigator and spent 15 years in this field.

He is currently in the training and skills development industry, and lives with his family in Pretoria.

He fell in love with soccer at a very young age and developed a passion for the sport. Over the years, he has been involved on a part-time basis as a player, coach and administrator, and gained a lot of experience in this field. He currently owns a Futsal club and is also involved with the development of young players.

Order your copy of Soccer Farm

Email sales@bkpublishing.co.za or lourensferas@gmail.com for more information.

More music from Lara Eidi

View and indulge in the beautiful cover of Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' by the musically talented
Lara Eidi...

New children's book with a cause

Isibindi: The Last Rhino
 



Isibindi: The Last Rhino
by Hernes

Isibindi: The Last Rhino, by South African debut author and illustrator Hernes, is a story about a courageous little rhino who creeps into your heart from the very first page. It is a story about the real plight faced by these beautiful creatures, sensitively told and beautifully illustrated.

Isibindi's adventure to reach the safety of a sanctuary to escape the clutches of poaches is by no means a clichéd (yet sadly also necessary) campaign which may leave you somewhat uncomfortable. It is heartwarming, authentic storytelling that both young and old will thoroughly enjoy. The purpose of Isibindi's story is to create awareness among our children, regarding poaching, as well as to create a sense of hope that we can indeed do something to save these animals.

Fun facts about rhinos are included to help children appreciate these magnificent beasts. May the little rhino in this book not be the only rhino our children will ever see.

 

Hernes tells us a little more about Isibindi, what it takes to be a writer and to illustrate your own book, and what you can do to help save the rhinos.

Hernes, author and illustrator of Isibindi:The Last Rhino

When did you first start writing stories and why?

I think I wrote my first short story when I was in primary school, around grade 5. It was a short story about a boy who lived in the time of the dinosaurs. I wrote several stories as a child, but I've had an affinity for storytelling for as long as I can remember.

 

 

Tell us a little bit about your debut children's book, Isibindi: The Last Rhino.

The inspiration for Isibindi came when I woke up one day in November 2012 and I went on to the net. I saw a post, saying that the North African Black Rhino was officially declared extinct. I decided that that was the time, if any, that I needed to start creating awareness due to the fact that our rhinos are poached to the level of extinction. If nobody does anything, we'll probably only tell our children about rhinos in stories and with the aid of photos. That is where the inspiration for Isibindi began. I officially started writing at the beginning of 2013, and illustrating.

 

Isibindi and his friend, Pant.

Why is the rhino in your book called Isibindi? Is there significant meaning to the name?

'Isibindi' is the Zulu word for 'courage'. So it's actually 'The courageous little rhino'. Being South African, I wanted to explore our native languages in the title and put it out to an international market. 'Isibindi' just clicked. It's such a beautiful word and meaning 'courage', what could be more appropriate for a rhino? If you read the book, you'll get to the point where Isibindi helps to bring down the poacher that is trying to kill him.

 

I believe that a portion of all your sales of Isibindi goes to rhino conservation. Is rhino conservation in particular close to your heart? Do you support other conservation efforts?

I do. Nature conservation as a whole is very close to my heart; animals especially because they can't speak for themselves. I feel that is our responsibility to speak out against the cruel ways in which people are treating animals. 

Isibindi really is a brave little rhino

Money drives the world at present. Rhino horn is in demand and poachers can get so much money from it. The poachers don't see the animals, they see a dollar sign. That is why I decided that I, as a person who really loves animals, should do something; should try to create something that will create awareness.

What is the most important part of the illustration process and why?

 

Finding something you're passionate about and then telling that to the world. The most important part of illustration is to create a picture that tells the story. Having a passion for cinema and visual storytelling, I think it almost became second nature to me to tell stories through pictures. So the illustration process is a step-by-step process where I actually draw several images of the same frame to get it right before I finally print it, to make sure that every character is in that single frame. So it's about where I place them to create visual interest in the image. Also, because there are poachers and some scary facts in the story, I had to treat it with a little bit of tact so that I don't scare the parents or their children.

 
What is the greatest challenge of writing?

The greatest challenge of writing for children is to make it as simple as possible. I'm targeting an audience between four and eight years old. They are still developing their minds and their own identities, so you have to make it as accessible as possible without being too far over their heads.

 

Pant, Isibindi's friend

What do you enjoy most - writing or illustrating - and why?

 

I enjoy creating the images. Telling the story through the images was the most enjoyable part for me because I could play around with images that people had perhaps never seen before. I have this one image where Nkosi sees Isibindi for the first time. He looks out of the window of his shack and sees the rhino eating trash out of the trash can. That single image gave me so much joy. I actually illustrated it and re-illustrated it four times before I felt happy enough with the final product to put it in the book. It happens often. Painting is not work for me, it's relaxation.

Best advice you can give to budding writers and illustrators?

 

Let's start with illustrators. Find your own style, firstly, because there are so many illustrators out there that the competition is fierce. If you have your own unique style, people will immediately recognise your illustrations, regardless of a multitude of others.

Then, for budding writers: be true to yourself, be true to your story and don't give up. It is not easy to be a writer. In fact, I think it's one of the hardest professions in the world. So don't listen to that voice in your mind that tells you, you're not good enough because you are. If your story is good enough, people will enjoy it just as much as you do. Never compare yourself to others, compare yourself to you. Take your passion for writing and turn it into something usable. Transform it.

 

Can we expect more books in future?

 

Yes! I have a second book planned – a children's book – to be released in May 2014, but I am not going to say anything more. Watch this space!

Isibindi and his mother

Get your copy of Isibindi: The Last Rhino

Isibindi: The Last Rhino is available in softcover and e-book format from AuthorHouse, Amazon, and Kalahari. A portion of the sales goes to rhino conservation, which makes 'Isibindi' not only a great book to have on your shelf, but an absolute necessity.
 

Like Isibindi: The Last Rhino on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsibindiThelastRhino?fref=ts

Author profile

Born in Sasolburg, a small town in South Africa, Hernes grew up the youngest of three children in a house filled with books. From an early age, his love for reading became apparent and soon he started to write his own stories. After he completed High School, he travelled through Europe where he worked as an au pair before returning to South Africa. He attended the University of Pretoria and has a Architecture degree. A supporter of animal rights and nature conservation, he believes that change starts with education. He lives in Pretoria with his spouse. When he is not writing or painting, he loves to take long hikes in the South African savanna.

The Lara Collective

Through the chaos, there is calm.
There is love, and then there is music.

The Lara Collective

The Lara Collective, singer-songwriter Lara Eidi and cellist Stavros Parginos, are fulfilling their dream of playing the Fringe this August! Sweet Venues will host the duo, promising a breath of fresh air and originality across two exclusive performances. They will perform from their debut work Little People, premier new tracks, as well as select covers of favourite artists, including Joni Mitchell and Peter Gabriel.

Lara Eidi is a singer-songwriter of Canadian, Greek and Lebanese descent. Having performed as a solo vocalist and pianist, she decided to change focus, founding The Lara Collective with cellist Stavros Parginos, Lara’s music developed into an original synthesis of sound, produced solely from voice, piano, acoustic guitar and cello. The Lara Collective seeks to emphasise creativity and music that blends folk, indie and ethnic vocal styling with atmospheric harmonies and sincere lyrics.

"The lyrics reflect our most intimate fears, our inner desires, love and the pursuit of happiness. The music is intended elevate and allow listeners to travel through the tunes and give them a sense of peace,"  says Lara Eidi.

Greek journalist, Maria Markouli, writing on Little People: "Artfully embroidered compositions, resonate with crystal vocals. It was as if Joni Mitchell had exchanged a secret with Lara, to which she kept and then later revealed with such originality, in her own distinctly unique voice. A Greek-Canadian with Lebanese roots, she is the new blood of cosmopolitan folk."

The Lara Collective will be at Sweet Grassmarket (Venue 18) Aug 15 and 16 19:45 (45mins) £10.00 (£8.00)

Twitter: @LaraEidi

Show Contact: Lara Eidi : eidilara461@gmail.com

Venue Media Contact: Annie Marrs : annie@sweetvenues.com : 07912 042630