Jack's+Page

=May 29, 1600= It was a grand day as my group of travelling actors were invited into the Castle of Denmark and I saw Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark once again. My group of fellow actors were on our way to offer our services to the King of Denmark at the Castle in Elsinore. With all the upheavals in the city we were prohibited from playing at home and hoped we would be welcomed at the Castle. Such a show should upgrade our repetition so we can once again play in the city at the huge amphitheaters we were use to. Perhaps we will even travel to England and get a chance to play in the newly build Globe theatre. But today we will play for the royalty of Denmark. Hamlet the Prince was very welcoming to my group and he even remembered me and mentioned that I looked taller and hoped for me that my voice would hold and not crack as I play my parts as the ladies and mistress’ in scenes. Since females are not allowed to act I was able to win my place in this traveling company by my performances in the female roles. As a boy I have always wanted to act and being young I had the advantage to be able to play the female roles but soon my age will prevent that as my voice changes as well as my physical appearance. For now I am blessed to still play such female roles. Hamlet invited my group in and provided us with good accommodations within the castle as well as offering us a grand feast. We ate stuffed chicken, a lion of veal, rabbit, a gosling, several pigeons, hard boiled eggs, a fat capon stuffed, and a roe-deer. For the final course we had fruits, various sweet pastries, cheese slices that were all topped off with a multitude of wines. I am well rested and fed and ready to perform tonight in the court of the King. I can easily memorize the multitude of lines that Hamlet has asked. Tonight I will change my shirt, doublet, breeches, belt, shoes and hat of a boy for the dress of women. I will wear stockings, a corset and a petticoat covered by a beautiful gown of purple and lace. I will be proud to wear purple as it is usually only worn by royalty. I will impress the King and Queen of Denmark as well as Hamlet and their court with my performance tonight. Perhaps my performance may even get me considered to perform for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in London. Richard Burbage