Action Inaction

An exploration of Hamlet and King Lear for secondary students.

Action Inaction is an exploration of Hamlet and King Lear that focusses on the central characters choices and the ramifications of those choices.

Four Actors discover Shakespeare’s world, language, characters and innate theatricality by forging links between the plays and the contemporary world.

Themes raised include conflict within families (both sibling rivalries and parent/child tensions), blended families and filial loyalty. The script also examines the rhythm of the language and the innate theatricality of the plays.

Style: Shakespeare meets the contemporary world

Length: 90 minutes

Casting notes: Larger cast option for a classroom context: four students could play the designated actors with additional students playing the Shakespearean characters.

Cast age: 12 to 16, 16 to 18

Audience age: teen, young adult

Publisher: Australian Script Centre