Paris Junior College’s Drama Program brings a new take on a famous Shakespearean tragedy opening on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and running through Nov. 17 on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater. “Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” tells the tale from the perspective of Hamlet’s loyal friend, Horatio, set against the backdrop of a mid-century asylum.
PJC drama faculty William L. Walker penned the adaptation and also directs.
“This adaptation reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy from the perspective of Horatio, Hamlet’s steadfast friend and confidant,” Walker said. “By placing Horatio at the center of the narrative, we aim to bring new depth to the tale, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and the search for truth amidst grief and madness.”
Set in the eerie corridors of a 1950s mental asylum and within Horatio’s memories, “Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” takes audiences through a journey of psychological suspense and philosophical inquiry. Horatio’s narrative guides the audience through the cryptic, surreal environment of his memories, where the asylum staff — doctors, nurses, and patients — assume the roles of Hamlet’s original characters.
The audience will experience the story of Hamlet’s descent through the distorted perception of Horatio, portrayed not only as Hamlet’s confidant but as a narrator struggling with his own grip on reality.
“This production asks questions about loyalty, truth, and perception that feel especially resonant today,” Walker adds. “Horatio is often an overlooked voice, but here, he becomes our anchor in a world that seems to shift with every step. It’s about him making sense of Hamlet’s tragedy — and his own.”
The set design by Walker is minimal and dark, almost feeling dangerous. The production’s costume and makeup team, led by Celia Stogner and Walker, create looks resembling asylum wear with bits of color added to announce characters’ place and status.
“Our hope is to invite you into a different view of Hamlet’s path, one that highlights the resilience of friendship even as revenge and redemption play out on a dark and intricate stage,” said Walker.
“Hamlet: A Horatio Story,” runs from November 13 to November 16 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 2:30 p.m. on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater on the Paris Junior College campus. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for Senior Adults/High School Students, and free to those with a current PJC ID. Tickets are half off with the donation of a new, unused toy. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.
Cast
Horatio – Kai Fornof; Hamlet – Daniel Martinez; King Claudius/Ghost – Jeff Stewart; Queen Gertrude – Lisa Martin; Laertes – T.K. McGee; Ophelia – Rylie Johnston; Polonius – Tim Wood; Rosencrantz – Jeri Howe; Guildenstern – Derek Dacus; Cornelius/First Gravedigger/Attendant – Addison Brown; Player King/Second Gravedigger/Attendant – Ryan Smith; Player Queen/Doctor/Attendant – Sally Boswell; Voltemand/A Lord/Attendant – Amanda Blouin; Francisco/Prologue/Attendant – Elizabeth Holliefield; Barnardo/Osric/Attendant – Libby Stowell; Lady in Waiting/Messenger/Margory – Alyssa Ottmo; Marcellus/Lucianus/Sailor/
Crew
Director – William L. Walker; Stage Manager – Brenna Mills; Asst. Stage Manager – Maegan Martinez; Light/Scenic Design – Will Walker / Andy Johnson; Costume Coordinators – Celia Ann Stogner and Brenda Stellpflug Ottmo.
Pictured: Horatio (Kai Fornof, center) tries to keep Hamlet (Daniel Martinez, left) from attacking a wounded Laertes (T.K. McGee).
