This is a section of the script I adapted for an adaptation of Scapin - which was infused with a version of Hamlet!!! The show was a co-production between Queensland Theatre Company and South Australian State Theatre Company in 2003.
To be or not to be – a clown: that is the question:
Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The tricks and follies of outrageous scripts
Or to insert some machinations of mine own
And by imposing, play tragedy? Aye, to cry, to sob
No, more, to weep and by a weep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural gags
The fool is heir to – tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished.
For who would bear the banana-peels of time,
The oppressor’s parody,
The pain of period farce, the lack of pay,
The insolence of subscribers who complain
‘Bout parking and unnecessary language,
When he himself might play the most dramatic part?
Tis a clever clown that would survive seriousness.
Ooo, to cry, to weep, ooo, perchance to trip on one’s
own feet,
To stumble – Aye, there’s the rub.
For in the hiccups of tragedy what guffaws will come
When I have shuffled off this motley stage
Will give applause.
Thus comedy does make a mockery of us all,
And my desire for tragedy
Is but a dream o’ercast with
Obligations to be funny
With this regard my hopes but turn awry
And lose the name of action. (Copyright Scott Witt 2003 -2011)
