It was just unbelievable experiencing the mental picture that was first created when I was told that the Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre of London was coming to Liberia for the first time. I was even more excited when Jasmine, (B4 Youth Theatre`s Executive Director) informed me that 60 students from Montserrado County will have the memorable experience of going to see the Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre perform live “The Hamlet”, Shakespeare`s longest and most intriguing play. How can I help to get this realize was the next thing that excitedly came out of my mouth. Jasmine told me about how she intends to establish book clubs in 6 schools. “10 students from each school will receive a free copy of the “Hamlet” book and designated teachers to teach them the book since it` in old English”, she went on. Her last words about the book clubs sounded so fascinating that I further asked her about when we can get started with such an amazing initiative. “Now” was her answer.

Since that day, the Montserrado County Student Union partnered with the B4 Youth Theatre in establishing the book clubs in six schools. As the president of MONSU, I got in the field myself from school to school working on getting the book clubs started. What is even more interesting is that instead of just picking six schools out of the many high schools in Montserrado County, the B4 Youth Theatre developed a system that allowed students to post #B4YouthThreatreandworldHamlet# on her Facebook page. The reading club`s schools were selected randomly by the system and not us or them. After finally getting everything in order, the reading clubs were ready to go.

When we started the reading clubs, students were so excited to participate and they just could not stop asking questions and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. After more than six weeks of running the clubs, students were very curious to see the performance of Hamlet. Below are some of the scenes they just could not wait to see after reading the book:

“My most exciting event would be the death of Queen Getrude as she was a very deceitful woman” – student Jonel F. Kenneh, Saint Theresa Convent High School

“I will like to see the part where King Claudius finally learns that Prince Hamlet knows he is the murderer of his father – Student Courage K. Zoduah  - B. W. Harris Episcopal School

“I will like to see the scene where Hamlet confronts his mother about her actions – bringing herself low to getting marry to her late husband`s brother right after his death” – Student Chivin D. Mason, G. W. Gibson High School

“I will like to see the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, and the reaction of King Claudius when Prince Hamlet returns from exile” Student Fatumata Fofana, Muslim Congress High School

“I will like to see the part where Hamlet refused to killed Claudius because he was praying and that killing him while praying would sent him to heaven, and that he did not want” – Student Ben Toe – J. J. Ross high School.

“I will like to see the part where Hamlet was acting mad after he saw his father ghost” –, Student Faith Mathews, College of West Africa High School

At last, the day for the performance of the show arrived. At 2:00 pm, the 60 students were taken from their campuses and transported to the RLJ Resort located at Keneja, outside Monrovia. The build up and excitements were so high amongst the students and they kept discussion the scenes that they were excited to see. Finally the time for the show came and students patiently witnessed the live performance of Hamlet by the Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre of London.

After the show, here are what they had to say:

“I wish I had another opportunity to witness the Globe Theatre perform another Shakespeare`s play again” – Student Abraham Massaquoi – G. W. Gibson High School

I really enjoyed witnessing the Hamlet and the performance was very excellent” – Student Joyce F. Sampah, Saint Theresa Convent High School

I wish we had a Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre right here in Liberia so that we can watch things like this often. I really love this experience – Student Richelin N. Kardor

This is an eye opening for me and I am grateful to just be amongst the students who had the opportunity to be here” – Student Ericline Cassel, College of West Africa High School

I think the guy who performed the role of Prince Hamlet is just a genius, memorizing every bit of his role must really be a tough thing. The experience was amazing. – Student Esther J. Weah, J.J. Ross High School

I could not get my eyes off every scene and every scene was just full of suspense. I wish I can get to see this kind of performance for other Shakespeare`s plays like Macbeth, Julius Caesar etc. – Student Chernor Bah, Muslim Congress High School

Finally, the Montserrado County Student Union and all of our students are so much grateful to the B4 Youth Theatre, the Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre and all of the partners that made this show a success. Witnessing the performance of Hamlet was just so much incredible and the only question that I am left with now is: When do our students get to see such a performance again? 

-  by Mohammed Donzo Dolley, President of MONSU Liberia