Ashley Amodeo’s new show, Crownless, takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. You can see the show at Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
“When the ghost of her father returns seeking revenge, Hamlet has to choose: play along, or break the cycle? When she makes her choice, the ghost makes his and haunts her coat.
Crownless fuses Shakespeare’s text with contemporary female poetry in a bold exploration of grief and power. It’s a ghost story, a coming-of-age tale and a stylish love letter to saying ‘no’.
With sharp dialogue, unexpected laughs and a coat full of unresolved trauma, this show walks the line between comedy and heartbreak. If you’ve ever argued with a parent’s voice in your head, this one’s for you.”
Where: Studio at C-Arts
When: 18-24 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/crownless
Why do you think Hamlet still inspires creatives after all these years?
I think it’s no surprise Hamlet is constantly getting a make over… it’s like your favorite band as a teenager, for Shakespeare fans. The emotional journey that Hamlet goes through is one that everyone can relate to in one way or another.
Sure, not many of us have an evil uncle that killed our dad and married our mom… But we know what it’s like to feel hesitant, to over think things, & even if we won’t admit it, to talk to ourselves.
Not to mention because of all of that talking that Hamlet does to the audience, we feel connected to him. You leave that play feeling as if you’ve made, and lost, a friend.
Your show focuses on Hamlet’s Father – what does Crownless bring to the table that we haven’t seen before?
Well, first we get a back story for this character. The Ghost of Hamlet’s Father is considered a very iconic role, while we as an audience simultaneously know close to nothing about him.
This character is one that an audience is intrigued by. We emphasize with him. We long for him to be real when Hamlet doubts him. Who wouldn’t want a second chance with a loved one after they passed?
But in Crownless… we get a taste of who he is, but with a twist… he ends up being not a great guy. We don’t like him at first, and neither does Hamlet. And as we then work through the plot of Hamlet (kinda) we see how he and what he becomes.
Crownless also features modern female poetry intertwined with the script from Hamlet. I really wanted female voices alongside Shakespeare (other than my own) and I thought having these small excerpts of poetry would not only give that, but also reflect some of the major themes throughout the play.
How did you get started in theatre? Do Fringe festivals inspire you?
In the same way that I feel like many actors start: not by jumping in themselves, but getting pushed in the deep end by someone else. I was in English class at age 12, when the teacher held me behind after class and asked me to join the drama club (thanks, Mrs. Matthews!)
I was nervous to be seen by so many people, but quickly found out that when I wasn’t myself, I didn’t mind being seen. Fringe festivals are endlessly inspiring to me today. In this industry, there can be a lot of gate keepers. And it’s so refreshing to just see people “break the rules.”
Actors who make their own plays are becoming more and more common, and I’m scared and excited and starstruck to be around all of them at this year’s Fringe!
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
Seeing all of the fresh art made by new friends, especially of the other feminist works and Shakespeare spin-offs! (After Shakespeare, Timonopoly, Drama Girls… and many others!)
I’m also very excited to have my family travel from the US to come see the show, along with friends from all over the country. I feel very lucky to be so supported, and am excited to see them there!
Where can we see your work after Fringe?
Before Fringe, you can catch my show for one night only in London at Omnibus Theatre! July 29th @ 8:30 PM as part of their Edinburgh Previews Program.
After Fringe, I’m excited to say Crownless will come back to London for two nights in the autumn as a part of Voila Fringe Festival! November 21st & 22nd @ 7PM, at Etcetera Theatre in Camden.