Overview: Hamlet: A Modern Retelling takes the characters from William Shakespeare's original play and places them in a new, updated setting with new challenges and intricacies all while paying homage to the original.
Summary: After the death of his father under suspicious circumstances, Hamlet tries to convince his friends Ophelia and Horatio to help him investigate. Together, they must delve into the inner workings of the family business in order to discover the truth. They will face down family drama, corporate espionage, and the supernatural alike.
Details:This project will run for one season, with each episode lasting 10 to 20 minutes. There are expected to be 16 episodes. The project is produced by the Pariah Podcasts network.
NOTE: must be LGBT+ friendly. The podcast will contain LGBT+ content, and some light cursing.
Hamlet is a young man grieving his late father, and struggling to come to terms with his passing. He is driven, stubborn, and highly intelligent, though often short-sighted.
(You're trying to convince your friends that your father's death was suspicious)
We know grief can rattle people, make them act irrationally and emotionally. Stress, too, has that effect. And I’m nothing if not stressed. But I’m asking you as friends, to please believe me. Suspend your disbelief. Even for a moment.
(You're deciding between revenge and moving on)
I don’t think I’m strong enough to make that choice. Even if I could decide what would best honor my father, how would I carry it out? Now that I know he was murdered, I’ll never be able to stop thinking about it. I’m not built to let it go.
Horatio is Hamlet's best friend and confidant. He is loyal, supportive, and doesn't stand for nonsense. His main goal is to help his friend through a difficult time, no matter what that may look like.
(You're about to escort someone off the property)
Thank you for stopping by, but I’m afraid this is a closed service. And life is not actually a soap opera, so nobody is buying what you’re selling.
(Reassuring Hamlet that he is not betraying his father)
You’re a good son. You love your father, have always done your best to respect him. But this? Now? Wanting justice doesn't make you a bad person. You’re the one who’s still alive. You’re the one who has to live with the choice you make. The only person you can bring peace to is yourself.
Laertes is not a nice person. He has a rigid impression of how the world should conduct itself. He is ambitious, and extremely loyal to his father.
(You're judging your sister, who you don't get along with.)
You finally made it. Father’s been looking everywhere for you, and people have started to talk. And I’m sure they will do so even more now that you’ve turned up with the help.
(You're running into people you consider troublemakers)
Hello Hamlet. Ophelia. Other one. What brings you here?
Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia, and like this son, is not considered a nice person. He is superior, condescending, and ambitious. He will do whatever it takes to get his way.
(You're chastising your daughter for a perceived infraction)
Is that your only explanation? Agreeing with the obvious? This is completely unacceptable behavior for a young woman. I won’t have you wandering the town at all hours of the day or night.
(you're manipulating someone into being your spy)
I have ambitions that would be much more attainable with a bit more information on my side. You’re in the perfect position to provide that information
Claudius is a complex man, and the persona he presents to the other characters is very different from the impression listeners get. Depending on the perspective, he is either very kind and incredibly lucky, or a menacing opportunist. He is Hamlet's uncle.
(Your explaining your absence from the family for many years)
Choice… choice words were said. On both sides. Ultimately, my father told me to get out, and I told him I wasn’t coming back. I left. Your father called, sent letters, all asking me to come back. I ignored them. I was too proud to apologize, and your grandfather was too hurt to apologize to me first.
(You're requesting your daughters to be your spies)
Especially so, after the interesting message I just heard from Polonius. Apparently, your cousin has been to visit a psychic… It’s resolved now. But girls… I need you to report back to me exactly what that woman told him.
Hamlet's father appears only as a ghost in this production to say goodbye to his son and leave him with a warning. He cares for Hamlet deeply, and wants to see him safe and successful.
(You're warning your son to keep himself safe, so he doesn't meet the same fate as you)
I didn’t come back to ask you to avenge me. I came to tell you to let go. I’m dead, no justice or conviction will change that. The only thing to be gained is your safety, and that can only be guaranteed if you leave. Things. Be.
(You're saying your final goodbye)
I love you so much, Hamlet. More than you could ever know. I hope I see you again someday.
Hamlet's mother is a grieving widow who has lost the will to interact with the world. She is deeply sad, lost, and naive.
(You're apologizing to your son while grieving your husband)
Like family, I supposed. Sighs. I don’t know, Hamlet. I’m sorry I don’t have the answers you’re looking for. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have any answers any more. Maybe I never did.
(you are frustrated with your son)
Just because I'm a woman, and just because I'm a widow does not make me an idiot, Hamlet. Yes, I was shocked, and Yes, I was suspicious. But those fears have been assuaged and I have been reassured.
Marcellus is the lawyer who is handling the affairs of Hamlet's late father. They are professional, and hard to surprise.
Thank you everyone for being here. I know most of you here today, but for those of whom I haven’t had the pleasure, I’m Marcellus, the late Mr. Prince’s Executor. In addition to reading the will, I’ll be carrying out any orders including– disseminating inheritance and the like
The Player Queen is a psychic consulted in the course of the investigation of Hamlet's father's death. She is mystical, indirect, and not very grounded in reality.
You say that like it’s a trick. It’s not. I know what is revealed to me, for I am the Player Queen, trusted confidant of forces I befriend but never understand. I am the left hand of judgement, and the right hand of fate. So tell me, adult children, what questions would you ask me?
Bernardo/a is a long time security worker. They are helpful and polite, but firm.
(you're denying someone you've known a long time entrance)
I’m sorry, Hamlet. I’m just as shocked as you are. But I can’t let you through, not without an approved escort.
(you are horrified)
Mr. Prince… My God, Mr. Prince, what did you do?
Rosie is Hamlet's cousin, and an obedient daughter to Claudius.
(you're giving someone bad news)
You… you didn’t hear? There was an accident. Something bad, I think. Nobody’s talking to me about it, but… they’re taking him upstate. To an institution.
(graciously ending a conversation)
We can pick up another time. There’s clearly something you need to go take care of. Don’t worry about us.
