Behind the Scenes of SMC’s Hamletta & 12thBro
This past weekend, April 11th and 12th was Santa Monica's Theater Of Arts production of the plays Hamletta and
12th Bro which is a unique take on the classic William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and “Twelfth Night.” Adapted and
directed by Dr. Adrianne Harrop. An event that was highly anticipated and did not disappoint.
Using the characters original names maintained the authenticity of Hamlet, but the twist comes with the cast of
Hamletta being played by performers identifying as women only. In contrast,12th Bro widens the lens with an all
men presenting cast. Creative choices like this invites the audience to reconsider how gender shapes performance,
character interpretation, and storytelling itself. Original dialogue keeps this work familiar to those who love
Shakespeare classics.
Hamletta isn't just a play. It is comedy, it’s commentary, and it’s exceedingly relevant. At its best, it’s introspective
in that it reminds us that all of the characters in this specific time in history (Shakespeare’s work) were played by
men. The backstage energy at the final rehearsal was just as mesmerizing as the theatrics on stage. I had the
opportunity to speak with several cast members who gave us insight into their experiences, preparation and their
take on the character they bring to life.
Caleb Dorsey, who takes on multiple roles including Valentine, Curio, and the First Officer, described his approach
with refreshing honesty: “My characters aren’t really too complicated or sophisticated, so I don’t have to speak in
poetry or anything. They’re more simple, so it’s fine.”
In the midst of the prepping for rehearsal, costume changes, makeup touch-ups and reciting lines, I was able to steal
a moment with George Nava (Malvolio) And Finley Hayes ( A Captain) and get their thoughts about the
production’s modern take on traditional theatre: “When I think of Shakespeare, I think of how originally most plays
were performed by men and I feel like 12th bro kind of just brings back the traditional roots Of men playing all the
roles." As a first-time stage performer, Finley Hayes, who plays A Captain, also shared how he handles pre show
jitters: “This is my first play I’ve been in but I pull from my acting class. I do articulation warm-ups and some of us
even meditate.”
The heartbeat of the production is the vision of Director Dr. Adrianne Harrop, whose passion for her students and
the craft can't be denied. Reflecting on the last dress rehearsal, she shared: “I just saw it come to life and I thought
this is one of my better jobs. I’m really proud of this. The students that were here were laughing for the 12th Bro.
Their laughter was just contagious and Hamletta was just super.” She continued, “I’ve reached the max. It’s not me,
it’s them. I'm so blessed with these students. They support me in so many ways and when they get on the stage,
they’re brilliant!”
Her words magnify what makes live theatre so powerful. It also reminds us of what happens when a collective
brings their unique talents together to create something moving. The experience of Hamletta and 12th Bro behind
the scenes revealed the true soul of theatre. A collaborative art form where discipline, creativity, and uniqueness
come together.
We also have to recognize that every production of a show is different and no two performances will ever happen
the same way again. Each crew member, actor and creative voice brought something unique to the table that wasn't
only entertaining, but thought provoking and memorable. It’s a reminder that theatre doesn’t just tell stories, it
transforms them.