Theater students at Oakland Technical High School are raising money to bring their production of "Hamlet: Blood in the Brain" to Edinburgh Scotland's renowned Fringe Festival in 2010. To do that they'll need to raise more than $30,000 (roughly $6,000 per student) to cover expenses, and they are inviting local theater lovers and youth supporters to help them achive this goal.

Wednesday, March 31, the cast will perform the play at Piedmont High School at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Entry is free, but the group is encouraging people to donate as much as they can to help the students reach the Fringe in August.

After the performance, Oakland Tech drama teacher Jessica Berkner and Piedmont High English teacher Jeff Peterson will host a discussion with the audience. Oakland Tech has set up a Web site with further information about this project and other upcoming drama presentations.

Written by Naomi Iizuka, "Hamlet: Blood in the Brain" was developed locally through participation with Cal Shakes and Intersection for the Arts' theater group Campo Santo. The play adapts the popular Shakespearian drama to the setting of 1980s drug-worn Oakland, updating the scenarios and language.

Though relatively new, Tech’s Advanced Drama Department was named among the 50 best high school departments in the nation, at the 2009 American High School Theatre Festival, for its performance of "Oakland: Inside Out." This piece was developed through interviews with Oakland youth, leaders and elders, all of whom were portrayed dramatially by the students. As winners of the award, the students became eligible to be part of the Fringe Festival.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a student in whole or in part can make a tax-deductible contribution to Oakland Technical High School, with “Scotland Trip” written on the memo line, and send it to Jessa Brie Berkner, Oakland Technical High School, 4351 Broadway, Oakland, 94611. Berkner is available for more information at jessabrie@gmail.com.

"Blood in the Brain" benefit performance
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Piedmont High School
760 Magnolia Ave.
Piedmont CA 94611-4087

Oakland Tech High School Promo from Michael Coleman on Vimeo.