BenCarlson has been called "an actor who thinks on his feet" andwhose emotion is believable because "he's prepared to go the limit andbeyond." In the midst of his busy production schedule I took theopportunity, to learn a little about the man behind this years' StratfordShakespeare Festival's Hamlet.

Writ By: AshleyHunking (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

June 2008 

Ben Carlsonhas been called "an actor who thinks onhis feet" and whose emotion is believable because "he's prepared to go the limit and beyond." In the midst of his busyproduction schedule I took the opportunity, to learn a little about the manbehind this years' Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Hamlet.; running from April 23^rd until October 26^th. 

If you toldBen, pre-university, acting would be his lifelong vocation, he would not havebelieved you. At McGill University, Ben played the upright bass and studiedclassical jazz fully intent on a future in music. However, in his second yearof university, Carlson chose to leave classical jazz for the study of acting.When I asked him how he reached this decision he said, "I wanted to speak the words of William Shakespeare." Carlson's professionaland personal journey to acting is an admirable one to any person whoappreciates the courage required to reorient a heartfelt career choice.

Quickly intoour conversation, it was evident to me that Carlson's passion for acting goesbeyond an attraction to the stage but is also the opportunity to exploreastounding literature. Hamlet'sprolific subject matter explores themes of identity, self, existence andsanity. Carlson comments that Hamletis a universal text. He notes, "We are all Hamlet...Hamlet's dilemma is anexistential one." Carlson couldn't be more right; what does it mean to behuman? People throughout history have been concerned with questions of originsand ends. In fact, Hamlet's famous monologue asks the question, "To be, or notto be?" In this speech Hamlet contemplates suicide. Such finality plunges usinto our deepest questions about our mortality.

Carlson'sacquaintance with Hamlet predates his current effort and suggests the qualityof his work at Stratford. In 2007 he first took on the Bard's crowingachievement at the Chicago ShakespeareTheatre and received the JosephJefferson Award for Best Actor. Iasked him how he avoids transplanting the Chicago performance to Stratford? Hetold me that the rehearsal process was very different in the two productions ofHamlet. In Chicago, he had to throwhimself into the role, whereas at Stratford he could focus on rehearsing withother cast members. With each cast it is a different performance. Carlson says,"Themost challenging aspect of playing Hamlet is that it is the most celebratedrole in history." I imagine it would be a daunting challenge to facean audience's pre-conception of Hamlet, especially when the likes of AdrianNoble is directing you. Noble is known for being the Royal Shakespeare Companyof England's Artistic Director from 1991 to 2003, and for directing KennethBranagh in his prep-eminent performance of Hamlet onstage in 1992. 

Ben made the comment that critics tend to focus on Hamlet'srelationship with his mother, however, Ben sees Hamlet's relationship with hisfather as equally important. What was Hamlet's relationship with his father?Were they close? What was Hamlet's obligation to his father's ghost based on?As Carlson said, "Hamlet probably didn't get to see his father all that much.His father was a War King." What was this passion for revenge that emerges?Hamlet was torn by a figure that appeared to be his father but was not. Indepicting this father/son relationship one has to ask the question, is Hamlet'slargeness of soul captured simply by the psychology of family relationships? 

Both of Ben'sparents are working actors and supportive of him (Ben's own father playedHamlet before Ben was born). Watching his parent's make a living out of actinghad a positive affect on Ben's work ethic as an actor. When I asked him if heis interested in acting in film he said he is and has done film, however, aslong as he has regular employment in theatre he is happy. As of June 19^ththis happy thespian, in addition to Hamlet, will be playing the First LordDumaine in Alls WellThat Ends Well.

Carlson's advice to young actors...  

I couldn't resist getting some noteworthy advice foraspiring actors from the sole actor who garnered the most coveted stage role inthis season of Canadian theatre. Ben says, "Keep it broad...go to the theatre...accumulateas much information as you can." He also said, as a young actor, don'tread too much about technique until you have more experience. If you like toread he recommends Letters From An Actorby William Redfield, Sanford Meisner's literature and of course The Complete works of William Shakespeare!

I asked Carlson if he gets nervous before a performance. He replied,"An actor would be lying if he didn't. Something would be wrong if youdidn't get nervous." There is something reassuring when atalented professional like Carlson admits he still gets anxious. This givesactors who suffer from "deer in headlights syndrome" a chance. His courage isinspirational. As our conversation came to an end, the final advice he givesfor aspiring actors is, "Keep thefaith." Wise words indeed.

THEATRE REVIEW OF HAMLET