Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard

This is a quirky, absurdist play. It has been compared to Waiting for Godot, which I have read. I like this play better though.

It is interesting that it focuses two minor characters from Hamlet. Hamlet, Ophelia, Polonius, Claudius, and Gertrude are only minor characters that fill the background.

It seems that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are quite bewildered and confused most of the play. They ramble and talk nonsensically, unable to comprehend themselves or the world around them. On occasion they delve into philosophical musings. Mostly, I found the story boring, though. However, it did make me laugh a few times. The humor can be quite fun, like Laurel and Hardy.

I have read Stoppard's Arcadia, which I enjoyed much more, although Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is probably more famous.

2 comments:

Kelly said...

Even the current Broadway cast (i.e Nathan Lane) could not get me to see Waiting for Godot again.

That is in the top three of worst productions I've ever had to sit through.

A bat got into the theatre and it was more entertaining than that show.

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