Northcoast Prep Presents "The Hamlet Question"

ARCATA, Calif. - Jan. 28, 2020 - PRLog -- On stage at Gist Hall, Humboldt State University (HSU), Maya Hergenrader lifts her arms and turns to Hamlet. She is Ophelia in the play The Hamlet Question directed by Jean Heard Bazemore.

Bazemore who has directed plays for more than two decades, sees inspiration in "the courage, intelligence, passion and beauty of these young actors willing to grapple with the challenges of thinking, choosing and acting."

Students at Northcoast Preparatory Academy (NPA), a public charter school in Arcata, California, hope the questions brought by Shakespeare's influential play will challenge audiences to look inside themselves. If you accept Descartes' I think, therefore I am, the challenge brought by The Hamlet Question turns to our ability to think critically. "To be or not to be," says Maya, "also means 'to think or not to think'. It's a choice of consciousness." Another young actor compares the state of our world today to Hamlet's world. "It shows us what teenagers are facing when we become adults and realize all the responsibilities we are taking on."

Developing her character has been "an evolving process," adds Maya. "I now see Ophelia as more innocent." Aeden Cataldo, who plays Polonius's son Laertes, hopes to convey "the raw passion and loyalty" of the character.

The Hamlet Question is performed January 30, 31 and February 1 at 8pm at Gist Hall, Humboldt State University. Admission is $10 for students and seniors, $15 for the general public.

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NPA is a public charter school. As an International Baccalaureate World School chartered through the Humboldt County Office of Education, NPA is devoted to providing a respectful and inspiring learning environment in which academic achievement and responsible citizenship are valued equally. Visit www.northcoastprep.org.