SH Theatricals is bringing Tom Stoppard's absurdist, existential satire, 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead', to the Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre. Directed by Simon Hayward, this star-studded production promises to be a must-see for theater enthusiasts. Hayward, a former Oxford University student, discusses the play's philosophical depth and its appeal to a wide audience.
Hayward's journey to this production is an intriguing one. He reveals that his first independent production is a tribute to the play's influence on him during his college years. "A number of people had mentioned ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.’ I grew up with it at college, so I knew it very well. That was also the point at which Tom Stoppard died. So I thought, well we can do it kind of in memoriam. I thought that would be a fun thing to do and a fitting thing to do. So, that was how it all came together."
The play's philosophical underpinnings are evident, with Hayward citing modern philosophy, particularly the philosophy of language, and existentialist thinkers like Camus and Sartre. He believes the play's ability to blend philosophical depth with humor is its strength. "There are lots of philosophical jokes, but for me, I think one of the things that makes it a great drama is the fact that it manages to be both that and also extremely funny... Even for people who are not into Shakespeare, who are not into philosophy, it is an extraordinary dramatic achievement."
Despite initial concerns about the play's British humor and philosophical tone, Hayward is relieved by the positive response from the theater community. "I was actually slightly concerned when I reread it, A, that it was too British, and B, that it was too philosophical... I’ve been surprised by how many people know it and really think it’s something that they would want to perform in or come and see."
The play's appeal lies in its accessibility, as Hayward explains, "Yes, because some of the jokes definitely revolve around knowing ‘Hamlet,’ but I think you could come and enjoy it without knowing ‘Hamlet,’ without knowing anything about Samuel Beckett and ‘Waiting for Godot’ and French existentialism and all those sorts of things that he’s referencing."
'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead' is a testament to Stoppard's early talent and the enduring appeal of absurdist, existential comedy. It's a thinking person's play, blending British humor with philosophical depth, and it's coming to the Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre this August. Don't miss this unique theatrical experience!
