After the murder of his father, Hamlet is confronted with some of life`s most painful and, at times, complex questions.

At his best, he challenges much of what we take for granted; much like the great moral philosophers. At his most destructive, he damages all who attempt to help him and who genuinely care for his wellbeing. His own anger blinds him to the best intentions of friends. He swings wildly between brilliant insight and paralyzing self pity. This is a dilemma not unknown to many in adolescence.

The course works with the play to encourage the development of penetrative and insightful young minds – honouring honesty and fresh perspective – while encouraging students to be positive and supportive contributors to the world they see around them. Participants will gain a detailed knowledge of the play, with experienced professional actors on hand to interpret and translate the play’s great speeches and scenes, while exploring its themes in a context that clearly links them to the times in which they live.

Towards the end of Shakespeare’s great story, Hamlet finds some peace in acceptance of that which can be changed and that which is too complex for any one person to comprehend fully.

“There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow……the readiness is all. Since no man of aught he leaves knows, what is`t to leave betimes? Let be.”

Sadly, for Hamlet, this revelation comes all too late. For our young people, the journey is largely just beginning.