Matthew Bessette
  • English & Theatre
  • Class of 2020
  • Lebanon, CT

Eastern Student Matthew Bessette of Lebanon Performs in 'Hamlet' for Kids

2017 Mar 28

The Drama Society at Eastern Connecticut State University performed its first-ever children's theatre production on March 25 with a kid-friendly version of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Originally adapted by playwright Kyra Baldwin, "Hamlet" (for kids) was directed by club president Lucy Shea. Two performances occurred for all-ages crowds in the Delmonte Studio Theatre of Eastern's Fine Arts Instructional Center.

Matthew Bessette '19 of Lebanon was among the cast and crew. Bessette played Hamlet and majors in English and Theatre.

"I loved playing Shakespeare's best-known protagonist, but I loved even more playing an angsty teenage version of him," said Bessette. "The Hamlet in this thirty-minute children's adaptation had all the gritty emotion and tragic motivation of the original, but with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, eyeliner and laughable amounts of sarcasm and sass. I truly feel that his attitude and tendency to rebel against all forms of authority made for an enjoyable character in many areas, including humor and entertainment. He also allowed the kids in the audience to relate and identify with him and his problems."

"One of my favorite memories as an Eastern student is when I was an acting apprentice with Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton, CT," said director Lucy Shea. "The company and I devised a new, 40-minute children's theatre version of 'Hamlet.' Kyra Baldwin, the playwright, created a perfect script that tells the story of Hamlet with an updated vibe. It was my delight and privilege to present this show in Eastern's new Fine Arts Instructional Center, brought to audiences by Drama Society."

Drama Society is a student-run club at Eastern that meets weekly to discuss all things theatre. The club is open to all students and creates a range of productions every year.