Film noir is all about murder, passion, espionage and revenge, and that's what 'Hamlet' is about. So I felt this approach to the play would be interesting and appropriate.

It's choppy and direct; the speeches are less flowery. It really lends itself to the film noir style.

It's a challenging play to do, but we like to challenge the students in this program. And they're up to it.

There are murder victims' family members who go through this process thinking they'll feel peace once the revenge of the death penalty is carried out. What I've learned from meeting with these people is that you don't feel better in revenge. You feel better in forgiveness.

Why does anyone commit murder?' he asked in a low voice.
'I-'I blinked.'How should I know?'
'Three reasons,' Christopher said. He held up one finger. 'Love.' Another finger. 'Revenge.' And finally, a third finger. 'Profit...

Shall each man," cried he, "find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone? I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn. Man! You may hate, but beware! Your hours will pass in dread and misery, and soon the bolt will fall which must ravish from you your happiness forever. Are you to be happy while I grovel in the intensity of my wretchedness? You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains—revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery. Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict.