Hamlet to dazzle with set and costumes

When the actors appear underneath the stars on the set of USQ's mid-March production of Hamlet, audiences can expect breathtaking performances.

Set and costume designer and second-year stage management student, Sylvia Balazova, spent hundreds of hours creating the designs at the end of last year and said people would be irrevocably drawn into the fantasy world of Shakespeare.

Built from steel and wood, the multi-level set is nestled in a huge camphor laurel tree and has many features including an apron skirt and secret compartments.

"One of the main themes in Hamlet is the struggle of life against death and the tree symbolises eternal life while being juxtaposed with the death of the ruins of the castle underneath,'' Sylvia said.

"The tree was planted in 1890 and provides a massive backdrop for the set enabling audiences to be captured in this wonderful fantasy land created by the actors."

Sylvia's creative vision combined with USQ costumer Carolyn Taylor Smith's experience has produced a magnificent array of elaborate costumes to complement the fantastical Shakespearean world using an eclectic mix of fabrics including metallics, lycra, lace, silk and PVC.

"The status of the character will depend on the type of fabric used,'' Sylvia said.

"For example, Queen Gertrude's costumes are deep reds, purples, cerise and plum with fabrics such as embroidered lace, silk organza, lurex and satin.

"Her evil husband Claudius will wear leather PVC, metal and fur."

A group of community volunteers will assist in the making of the costumes expected to be completed by early March.

Hamlet will be performed under the majestic Avenue of Trees, Queens Park from March 9 to 14. For further information and bookings phone the USQ Performance Centre Box Office on 4631 1111.

Deborah Marshall marshald@usq.edu.au 07 4631 2495