Merlin Stevens takes Hamlet as their inspiration for this new show, Horatio, in Thy Heart, which has just finished a run at Edinburgh Fringe.
It isn’t simply the story of Hamlet from Horatio’s perspective, although it does give him a voice. A voice shaped through a sceptical and queer lens.
The script is deeply poetic, with Stevens’s performance enhanced by voiceovers and sound effects. They are dressed in typical period fashion, with ruffle and doublet, yet feels contemporary.
Scholar and soldier, Horatio is defined by both. His close friendship and observation of Hamlet is one of concern and love. His conviction about ghosts is shaken and challenged.
Stevens is a thoughtful performer who has clearly considered lots of aspects of the character they have chosen to play. They do assume a familiarity with Hamlet itself while looking beyond, onto the battlefield and into private rooms.
Could Hamlet and Horatio be one of literature’s great queer romances? Horatio, in Thy Heart takes us in that direction, with furtive hand-holding and deep reflection.
As for Ophelia, Horatio makes his feelings known as to her viability and suitability as a Royal bride. Everything he is not. An aside.
In shaping scenes with additional characters and playing both by moving around on stage, Stevens crafts conversations that can be occasionally confusing. A more obvious change of voice tone may work better.
I was left with the feeling of Horatio and Hamlet being two sides of the same person, exploring their sensuality and sensitivity. Horatio may be the supporting character, but he is essential.
With most characters kept off-stage, a sequence with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (as hand puppets) brings in the wordy exposition of Polonius by the back door.
Horatio, in Thy Heart is an unfulfilled love story, a poetic exercise that ends in frustration and foretelling. This is an interesting play that has heart and promise. It breathes regret, yet Horatio is his own man by the end.
3.5 stars from me.
Well worth a look. My thanks to Merlin Stevens for sharing a recording of the show. And read my interview with them here.
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