Blog #7: Hamlet Final Project

Ham-vivor Script

Erin Drake, Samantha Winkler, Hannah Geiger, and Ryan Jeffers

English 4, Bell 7

Ms. Wilson

Friday, December 16, 2016

Academic Honesty Statement: We have read and understand the sections in the Student Handbook regarding Mason High School's Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of our paper, we are certifying that we have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, we understand the possible consequences of the act, which could include a "0" on the paper, as well as an "F" as a final grade in the course.

THE SCRIPT

Characters:

Hamlet : Eric Michael

Hamlet Sr.: Eric Michael

Polonius: Hannah Geiger

Gertrude: Erin Drake

Claudius: Samantha Winkler

The Gravedigger: Ryan Jeffers

Horatio: Erin Drake

Fortinbras: Hannah Geiger

Cameraman: Hannah Geiger

Scene 1: (Enter Horatio, the gravedigger, Hamlet Sr., Hamlet Jr., Polonius, Gertrude, and Claudius)

The Gravedigger: Last time on Survivor. The fourth person voted off is… Hamlet Senior. That's four, that's enough. Bring me your torch.

(team members are not surprised, blank faced)

Hamlet Sr.: (to the Gravedigger) I can’t believe that I have been betrayed like this.

The Gravedigger: Hamlet Sr., the tribe has spoken.

Hamlet Sr.: (Exits in sadness)

The Gravedigger: I think that we all understand the blind side and this new shift of power that has occurred in the tribe. I’m quite surprised you guys voted off Hamlet Sr., who was such a valuable member of the team. I think this will have a huge impact on the dynamic of your team. Just remember, at this point in the game, it’s all about unity. You should be working with your teammates, not against. Vote off members who you think are contributing to the success of the team as a whole. With that in mind, you have a long night ahead... goodnight.

(Exeunt All)

Scene 2: (Enter The Gravedigger and Hamlet)

The Gravedigger: Hamlet, I’ve got a message for you from your father, Hamlet Sr. (Hands Hamlet the letter and exits)

Ham : (reading letter, alone, looks sad and surprised)

Hamlet Sr.: (aside) Hamlet, my son, It was unfair that I was voted off the show. You and I both know that I was a better member of the team than anyone else. To ears of flesh and blood. List, list, O, list! If thou didst ever thy dear father love—

Ham: O God!

Hamlet Sr.: Revenge my foul and most unnatural betrayal.

Ham: Betrayal!

Hamlet Sr.: (aside) Betrayal most foul, as in the best it is;

But this most foul, strange and unnatural.

Ham: Haste me to know ’t, that I, with wings as swift

As meditation or the thoughts of love,

May sweep to my revenge.

Hamlet Sr: (aside) I find thee apt;

And duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed

That roots itself in ease on Lethe wharf,

Wouldst thou not stir in this. Now, Hamlet, hear:

'Tis given out that, competing as best I could,

The team voted me off; So the whole ear of the show

Is by a forged process of my betrayal

Rankly abused: but know, thou noble youth,

The serpent that did sting thy father’s chance at winning a million dollars, Now carries his torch.

Ham: O my prophetic soul! Claudius!

Hamlet Sr.:  Ay, that scheming, that back stabbing beast,

With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts—

O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power

So to seduce!—won to his shameful lust of power

The will of my most gullible teammates

O Hamlet, what a falling off was there!

From me, whose devotion to the team was of that dignity

That it went hand in hand even with the vow

I made to all of you in our team’s unity, and to decline

Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor

To those of mine. (1.5.20-55)

Scene 3: (Enter All)

(Group is competing for the next round spot)

Gravedigger: Welcome back for this week's immunity challenge. Your task is to complete the puzzle as fast as possible. The puzzle pieces are hidden throughout the forest. Split up to collect them. Let the round begin!

(Claudius spying on Hamlet while he’s looking for pieces)

Hamlet: I don’t know if I can avenge my dad and kick Claudius off the show. I want to get justice for my father, but I just can’t bring myself to do anything about Claudius.

To be, or not to be in the contest anymore: That is the question:

Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of different challenges,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,

And, by opposing, end them? (3.1.55-60)

I probably can’t even win. I suck at survival skills.

Claudius: Dramatically looks at Hamlet, realizing that Hamlet wants to kick him off. Is visibly distressed.

(Claudius then runs away, continuing his search for puzzle pieces. He stumbles upon the Immunity Icon)

Claudius: Hamlet… he must know. He has figured it out. I was the one to get his father kicked off the show. I am responsible.

*Expresses sorrow*

I was selfish in my ways. I am so focused on my life after this show, that I forgot about the importance of our lives on it. I will be a rich man when I get home. But on this island, I am poor. Not in wealth and riches, but poor in my soul. Empty.

Hamlet Sr. and I were

Wait, What’s this? Can it be? (Picks up the icon) I can’t believe it! The Immunity Icon! I’ll keep this just in case this week doesn’t go as planned. I’m going to get Hamlet kicked off! Then I’ll have a better chance at winning this thing, and that’s what it’s all about, right? With all the money I get from this, I can finally live the life I was meant to live! Like a king! (look mischievously at camera/evil laugh)

Exeunt

Scene 4: (Enter All but Hamlet) Claudius is talking to everyone and trying to convince them that Hamlet should be voted off.

Claudius: I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but Hamlet has been acting strange ever since his father got voted off last week. He’s taking more time to himself. Seems suspicious, doesn’t it?

I like him not, nor stands it safe with us

To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you;

I your commission will forthwith dispatch,

And he to be voted off. (3.3. 1-4)

Polonius: He is off talking to Gertrude, that may not be good for the rest of us. I should go see what they’re up to.  “Fare you well, my liege:

I’ll call upon you ere you go to bed,

And tell you what I know” (3.3 33-35). (Exit)

Claudius: You see, everyone? He is scheming he is trying to take us out. We need to get him off this island. He poses a threat to any one of us.

Horatio:  I’m not sure he really poses a threat to all of us… maybe just those who have wronged him.  

Exeunt All

Act 2

Scene 1:  (Enter Polonius, Claudius, and Hamlet)

Claudius: (To Polonius) Are we thinking about voting off Horatio for tomorrow?

Polonius: What about Hamlet- isn’t he a threat to us all?

Claudius: He is, but Horatio would not be expecting us to be going after him. Besides, he and Hamlet are pretty buddy-buddy, which makes me nervous. Maybe the best way to get to Hamlet is through Horatio.

Polonius: Very well. Lets see what we can do. (Exeunt Polonius and Claudius.)

Hamlet: [aside]: O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!

Is it not monstrous that these two can so seamlessly plot against Horatio, and yet I have been here knowing about my father’s betrayal and I have sat idly by (2.2.475-476).

How all occasions do inform against me,

And spur my dull revenge! (4.4.32-33)

I can’t just stand by any longer. I know my mission and I have waited too long to start. It’s time to get Claudius off the island. This week is the week.

Scene 2 :  (Enter Hamlet,Gertrude, Horatio, and Fortinbras) (Claudius is in the background eavesdropping)

Hamlet: Horatio, Gertrude, Fortinbras! Come here. After my father left last week, I’ve been pondering what should happen this week. I’ve come to the conclusion that Claudius needs to be sacked. He truly poses a threat to our success here.

Horatio: Why is that Hamlet?

Hamlet: I received a letter from my father. He explained to me how Claudius fooled us into thinking my father wasn’t a valuable member of the team, when in reality, Claudius is the one who needs to be kicked off. He takes advantage of all of us, and doesn’t deserve to continue the show. He’s a crook! He is just being selfish and trying to knock us all down so he can win!

Horatio: Hamlet, aren’t we all looking out for ourselves on this show?

Hamlet: Yes, but Claudius is evil and must be gone off of here. He is only going to end up hurting us all.

Horatio: You know he’s a powerful force on this island. You don’t want to be his enemy. It will be extremely difficult to get him voted off.

Hamlet: You’re right, but I must avenge my father’s betrayal! Justice must be served!

Exit

Horatio: Hamlet seems very narrow minded right now. If he’s trying to get to Claudius, maybe the most direct way isn’t the best way. Polonius is always hanging out with Claudius and giving him advice… maybe a better way to get to Claudius is through him. I think I’ll cast my vote for Polonius.

(Claudius overhears this all in the background)

Scene 3 (Enter Claudius)

Claudius to self: I can’t believe that little evil monster.I cannot sit here and watch Hamlet try to get me voted off. Yes, I have the idol, but Hamlet is damaging my reputation here. He must be stopped.

Scene 4  (Enter all)

Gravedigger:  Welcome back everybody. If anyone has an idol and would like to play it, now would be the time to do so.

(long pause)

Claudius: (stands up, and starts walking toward Gravedigger, hands him idol): My decision comes down to who I can trust more going forward from here. I believe there are people who are trying to bring this whole team down.

Gravedigger: Okay. I have the results. Once the votes are read, the decision is final and the person voted off will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. (dramatically pulls names out of tiki jar thing)

First vote: Claudius, does not count

Claudius, does not count

Claudius, does not count

Claudius, does not count

Polonius, 1 vote

Gertrude, 1 vote

The fifth person voted of is...Polonius. That's three. Bring me your torch now.

Polonius: (looking at Claudius) O, I am slain.  (3.3 25) I cannot believe I have been voted off of here. What did I do to deserve this punishment?

Gravedigger: Polonius, the tribe has spoken. (snuffs torch)

Polonius: I’m sorry I let everyone down. Good luck guys. Claudius, I’m sorry I won’t longer be here to advise you.

Hamlet:Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell!

I took thee for thy better: take thy fortune;

Thou find’st to be too busy is some danger (3.3 32-34).

Gravedigger: Well it seems only fitting in a very unpredictable season of Survivor that another tribal counsel would end with a big move. Grab your torches and head back to the camp.

Act 3

Scene 1: (Enter Gravedigger, Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes, Gertrude, and Fortinbras)

Gravedigger: Welcome back to this week of Survivor! We had a dramatic Tribal Council last week, and I know a lot of you are still recovering. Nevertheless, we have another new challenge. This week, our challenge is medieval sword fighting.

Hamlet: Yes! I am so good at things like this. Maybe this is my chance to avenge my father’s betrayal.

Claudius: This could be a good chance to prove myself and finally show to everyone that Hamlet doesn’t deserve to be here.

Gravedigger: We’ve never done something like this before, so this should be interesting. We’ve paired you all up with someone to fight. First up: Hamlet and Claudius.

Gertrude and Fortinbras: *excited murmuring!*

Gravedigger: Hamlet and Claudius, grab your swords and begin. The first one to strike the other three times wins.

Hamlet and Claudius get their swords and fight. They both poke each other twice, then battle for a long time, neither winning.

Gravedigger: Stop, stop! It’s obvious that neither of you are going to win. You are evenly matched, and this competition could go on for days. We have to call it a draw.

Claudius: No! How did this happen? Something’s wrong. I’m stronger than he is.

Hamlet: You don’t deserve to be here, Claudius. You’ll get what you deserve soon enough.

Scene 2: The Gravedigger plans the finale

The Gravedigger: (to cameraman) This season has been especially surprising. There have been so many twists and turns, the drama between the characters seems like something out of a soap opera. But I feel like the members of the show haven’t really grasped the concept of teamwork and loyalty.

Cameraman: I agree.

The Gravedigger: I just received the votes - they voted off Gertrude. Hamlet’s going to go ham on Claudius. They’ll probably start fighting. I think I’ll just have to kick them both off the show. This season really hasn’t been what it usually is.

Cameraman: Yeah.

Scene 3: Gertrude voted off

Enter Gravedigger, Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude, and Fortinbras

Gravedigger: Welcome back everyone. After yet another intense day on the island, the time has come to let someone go. The votes are in. If anyone has a hidden immunity idol, now would be the time to play it.

No one? Okay let’s begin.

*Grabs tiki jar*

Hamlet, one vote.

Gertrude, one vote.

Claudius, one vote.

Gertrude, two votes.

The sixth person voted off the island is Gertrude. Please bring me your torch.

Hamlet: You! You did this! (Pointing and yelling at Claudius)

Claudius: No! You! You did this!

Hamlet: If it weren’t for you and your selfish ways, maybe none of this would have happened! Fool!

Claudius: What selfish ways!?

Hamlet: You got my father kicked off! You betrayed him when we were supposed to be a team! We trusted each other! You will never be forgiven!

Claudius: Well look how that worked out for me! I hold more power than anyone on the island! And your father is back at his home in Chattanooga! He is off the island, and I remain here!

Hamlet: Well it’s time for you to go, Claudius! (Fiercely)

*Hamlet charges at Claudius*

Hamlet: AHHH!

*Hamlet dives at Claudius, Claudius ducks and Hamlet dives over him*

*Claudius is caught off guard. He looks at Hamlet with a scared look*

*Hamlet looks up and sees the two swords from the previous challenge in front of him*

Hamlet: (Softly and menacingly) The swords.

*Hamlet dramatically grabs the sword, sizes it up, and then reaches for the other sword and throws it to Claudius*

Hamlet: Let’s settle this once and for all.

*They charge at each other and fight*

Gravedigger: Stop! Stop it!

*Gravedigger breaks them apart*

Gravedigger: If you cannot behave on this show, I have no option but to kick you both off the island!

Claudius: No! Hamlet! I curse you!

Hamlet: I may have to leave, but so do you! You deserve to leave this island without a reward!

Claudius: You buffoon!

Hamlet: You know as well as I do whose fault this is.

Claudius: Exactly — your own!

Gravedigger: STOP! I need both of you to leave right now. Both of you know the difference between right and wrong. You shouldn’t be focusing on the mistakes of others when you’re on this show. Hamlet, though we all know Claudius unjustly caused Hamlet Sr. to get kicked off, it’s not your responsibility to punish him. The tribal counsel will do that. Your meddling only made it worse. And Claudius, I don’t know how the guilt you felt after getting Hamlet Sr. kicked off didn’t stop you. You still tried to kick Hamlet off. You both need to understand that your mistakes will always get paid for. It’s just the way the world works. (pause) With the conclusion of this tribal council having two contestants disqualified, I announce Fortinbras, the only member of the team left, as the winner of this season! Congratulations Fortinbras!!

Fortinbras: (throws fist in the air like at the end of the Breakfast Club) YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William “Hamlet” 1603.