By Keith Tomasek, July 22, 2018

Every Sunday in The Shakespeare Actors’ Book Club you’ll discover a new book, selected by an actor performing Shakespeare.

It’s a chance to shine a light on three of our favourite things here at Stratford Festival Reviews: books, actors and Shakespeare!

Bookmark this site and visit every Sunday as a new actor shares the story of how their reading intersects with their production and everyday life.

Skye Brandon, Elizabeth Nepjuk,
photo: Timkip Imagining.
Skye Brandon is acting at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK., playing Hamlet in “Hamlet” and Shallow in “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Brandon is currently an Interdisciplinary Masters student at the University of Saskatchewan, where he is applying historical research to productions of William Shakespeare’s plays. He has performed at the Stratford Festival, and is a founding member of the YXE Shakespeare Lab.

The book
Murder Most Foul: Hamlet Through the Ages, by David Bevington

How did you discover this book?
Jumped out at me while browsing in the Saskatoon library.
 

What drew you into the story?
I’ve been thinking a lot about Hamlet lately. To say the least.

It follows the Hamlet story over the years, and how the play’s perception has changed as times have changed.
 

How does the book you’re reading relate to, or complement, the theatre piece you are currently working on?
I would say directly, since I’m currently playing Hamlet, but I didn’t start reading it until after we opened. I don’t think it would have been something I could read while in rehearsal.
 

How has this book influenced your thinking?
It has certainly opened my eyes to some facts that I was previously unaware of.
 

How do you find time to read?
I need something at night or in the morning to read that isn’t my script.
 

What is your favourite place to read?
At home on my couch.
 

Does the time of year affect your reading selections?
It used to, but not anymore. Although graphic novels have worked their way into the rotation with my daughter’s increasing interest in Marvel superhero movies.
 

Hardcover, paperback or e-reader?
Hardcover or paperback. I’ve never been able to get on the e-book train.
 

Is there a certain author whose work you follow loyally?
Yann Martel
 

Follow Skye Brandon on:
Twitter: @skye_brandon
Instagram: skyembrandon

Click to get Murder Most Foul: Hamlet Through the Ages by David Bevington

Details, Details:
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
Hamlet: July 5 – Aug. 19
The Merry Wives of Windsor: July 4 – Aug. 19
Details and tickets online: Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
Call: 306-652-9100

ALL THE ACTORS IN THE SHAKESPEARE ACTORS’ BOOK CLUB
Jason Cadieux – Shakespeare in High Park, Toronto.
Kayvon Khoshkam – Bard on the Beach, Vancouver.
Skye Brandon – Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Garry Williams – Shakespeare by the Sea, Halifax.
Heather Cant – Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Ben Carlson – Bard on the Beach, Vancouver.
Sébastien Heins – Stratford Festival, Ontario
Come back next Sunday for another actor and another book.