Our play is set in the lovely city of Verona, in northern Italy, where a long standing feud between two families of equal nobility once again breaks out into bloody violence. It will take the unfortunate and pitiful death of two young lovers, one from each family, to finally bring an end to their parents’ hatred. The frightening course of events in this love affair, doomed by the persistent hostility of their families, is the theme of our two hour presentation on this stage.
1
Hamlet
Where are you taking me? Speak. I'll go no further.
Ghost
Listen to me.
Hamlet
I will.
Ghost
My time is almost up. Soon, I’ll have to return to those terrible fires.
Hamlet
Oh, poor ghost!
Ghost
Don’t pity me, but listen seriously to what I have to tell you.
Hamlet
Speak. I’m eager to hear what you have to say.
Hamlet
The air is really biting. It is very cold.
Horatio
Yes, the air is nipping at us.
Hamlet
What time is it?
Horatio
I think it’s just before midnight.
Marcellus
No, the bell has already struck twelve.
Laertes
My bags are packed. Farewell. And sister, whenever the winds allow the mail ships to sail, let me hear from you.
Ophelia
Do you doubt that?
Laertes
As for Hamlet and the attention he has been paying you, interpret this as casual flirtation from a young man coming into his sexual prime. It’s like the sweet smell of perfume, which provides a minute of pleasure, but nothing lasting.
Ophelia
You think it’s no more than that?
Claudius
It has only been a short time since the death of my brother, King Hamlet, and it is fitting that the kingdom come together in mourning. However, my judgment needs to overrule my personal grief, as I must also consider the welfare of the whole kingdom.
Bernardo
Who's there?
Francisco
You answer me! Stay where you are and identify yourself.
Bernardo
Long live the king!
Francisco
Bernardo, is that you?
Bernardo
It’s me.
Francisco
You’re right on time to take over the watch.
Bernardo
The clock tower has already struck midnight. Get to bed.
Cicero
Good evening, Casca. Did you bring Caesar home? Why are you out of breath, and why are you staring like that?
Cicero
Good evening, Casca. Did you bring Caesar home? Why are you out of breath, and why are you staring like that?
Caesar
Calpurnia!
Casca
Hey, be quiet! Caesar is speaking.
Caesar
Calpurnia!
Calpurnia
I'm here, my lord.
Caesar
Stand directly in front of Antonius' place while he's running this race. Antonius!
Antony
Caesar, my lord?
Flavius
Get out of here! Go home, you lazy peasants, go home. Is this a holiday I’m not aware of? What, don’t you know that as laborers you’re not allowed to walk around town on a work day without the tools of your trade? You there, tell me, what’s your trade?
Carpenter
Why, sir, I’m a carpenter.
Marullus
So where’s your leather apron and your ruler? Why are you wearing your best clothes? You, sir, what’s your trade?
