Hamlet

 Hamlet
National Theatre
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Harvey Theater
May 10, 2026 

Photo courtesy of National Theatre
& Brooklyn Academy of Music

The National Theatre production of Hamlet is crisp and bold.  Director Robert Hastle interprets this Shakespeare classic with simple and accessible splendor.  He includes elements and images throughout the production that transcend location and time period.  The text is clear.  The action is continuous.  The cast is outstanding.  They skillfully fill BAM’s expansive Harvey Theater with emotion, energy, and elegance. 

Hamlet (played by Hiran Abeysekera) grieves the passing of his father the King, while at the wedding of his mother, Gertrude (played by Ayesha Dharker) to his uncle, Claudius (played by understudy Phil Cheadle).  When Horatio (played by Tessa Wong) tells Hamlet she has seen the ghost of his father (played by Ryan Ellsworth) walking in the night, Hamlet follows her to the night watch.  There he is visited by the apparition, who tells Hamlet of how he was murdered by Claudius to obtain the crown.  This sets Hamlet on a quest for revenge, which is hampered by his palpable descent into madness. 

Hiran Abeysekera as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of National Theatre & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Hiran Abeysekera is captivating as Hamlet.  He is driven and strong.  His madness is visceral.  Mr. Abeysekera discovers moments throughout the play where Hamlet loses touch with reality.  His eye shift focus, and he is physically overcome.  These transitions are clearly triggered by action, and take their toll on him.  Each event takes longer to pass, and Hamlet's demise becomes inescapable.

Francesca Mills & Hiran Abeysekera
Photo courtesy of National Theatre & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Francesca Mills is vivacious as Ophelia.  She creates tender relationships with her father, Polonius (played by Matthew Cottle), and her brother, Laertes (played by Tom Glenister).  Her descent into madness is riveting and heartbreaking.  Mr. Cottle portrays Polonius as a caring and generous father.  Mr. Glenister is dashing and brave as Laertes.

National Theatre’s production of Hamlet is playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater through May 17.  It is a stunning production with glorious performances.  Get a ticket! 

Domenick Danza

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

 The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
City Gate Productions
Stone Circle Theatre
November 13, 2025

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

City Gate Productions’ The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a concise and beautiful rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tale.  Cut down to two and a half hours (with intermission), it sharpens the focus on Hamlet’s journey through madness and indecision.  The cast builds strong relationships, creating truthful moments of camaraderie and betrayal.  There is a constant presence of death, surrounded by the grief and despair it produces.  Director Jim Haines creates a vibrant dramatic tension that keeps the play moving at a tight pace. 

Hamlet (played by Gage) is saddened by the death of his father, King Hamlet, which is magnified by the outrage he feels over the marriage of his mother, Queen Gertrude (played by Senam Erfani), to his father’s brother, Claudius (played by Gilberto Ron).  After Horatio (played by Margaret Leisenheimer) tells Hamlet she saw the ghost of his deceased father (played by Mike Sause), Hamlet seeks him out the following night.  The ghost of the King tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius.  Hamlet must take revenge.   

Gage as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

Gage is grounded and melancholy as Hamlet.  The levels of the character’s madness are played through humor, sudden rage, and intense introspection.  These choices create a truthfulness in the grief Hamlet is experiencing due to the death of his father.  Gage creates genuine bonds with Ophelia (played by Naomi Yuchi Townsend), Rosencrantz (played by Francoise Traxler), and Guildenstern (played by Josh Saffram Sedecca).  The vitality of these relationships deepens Hamlet’s grief after Ophelia’s suicide and heightens his determination after the betrayal by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.  Gage skillfully portrays these moments, utilizing that increased sense of loss to propel the action forward. 

Naomi Yuchi Townsend is fiery and independent as Ophelia.  She creates moments of defiance between herself and her father, Polonius (played by Bill McAndrews), and builds a sensitive and touching bond with her brother Laertes (played by Matt Tijmstra).  The scene between Ms. Townsend and Senam Erfani’s Gertrude is heartbreaking.  Ms. Erfani shows a different side of Gertrude when facing Ophelia’s loss of reality over the murder of her father. 

Gilberto Ron, Sanam Erani, & Gage
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

Gilberto Ron makes bold choices for Claudius in the scene where he kneels in prayer.  It is his strongest scene, which Gage successfully rises up to when Hamlet enters and attempts to murder him.  Both characters grapple with inner conflict, giving this scene a focused tension.

The humor is high in the gravedigger’s scene, and Friedrich Steinem and Semaj Seniah play it for all they can.  When Hamlet and Horatio enter, the tone shifts to the reminiscence of fond memories, then dives into despair as Ophelia’s funeral procession approaches.  The despair quickly revs up to anger and retaliation.  It is effectively directed and full of emotion. 

The City Gate Productions presentation of The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is playing at Stone Circle Theatre (aka Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, 59-14 70^th Ave., Ridgewood, Queens) through November 23.  It is easily accessible through public transportation and well worth the trip. 

Domenick Danza

Hamlet

 Hamlet
Park Avenue Armory
Almeida Theatre Production
July 2, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Park Avenue Armory

The North American premier of Director Robert Icke’s Hamlet is now playing at the Park Avenue Armory.  It has a running time of three hours and forty minutes, with two intermissions.  The actors take their time with Shakespeare’s rich text and gently rhythms, uncovering lavish subtext.  Mr. Icke places the story in present day Denmark, using modern technology to progress the action, allowing the characters to be relevant and identifiable.  

Prince Hamlet of Denmark (played by Alex Lawther) is in grief over the death of his father, King Hamlet, and the quick and untimely marriage of his mother, Queen Gertrude (played by Jennifer Ehle), to his uncle, Claudius (played by Angus Wright).  Hamlet’s friend, Horatio (played by Joshua Higgott), tells him that the ghost of King Hamlet (played by David Rintoul) appeared during the night watch.  Hamlet joins Horatio, Marcellus (played by Michael Abubakar), and Bernardo (played by Hara Yannas) to watch for the ghost’s return.  When it appears, the ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, and Hamlet must take revenge.  Hamlet does not reveal this information to anyone, so these thoughts consume him.  His behavior becomes erratic and unpredictable.  He lashes out at his beloved Ophelia (played by Kristy Rider).  When Claudius suspects that Hamlet knows the truth, he commands Hamlet’s old school friends, Rosencrantz (played by Calum Finlay) and Guildenstern (played by understudy Lise Bruneau) to accompany Hamlet to England.  They unknowingly carry a letter from Claudius to the King of England to have Hamlet killed.  Hamlet escapes, only to return to Denmark on the day of Ophelia’s burial.  Her brother, Laertes (played by Luke Treadaway) wants revenge on Hamlet for the death of Ophelia and his father, Polonius (played by Peter Wight).  The plan Claudius makes with Laertes to cause the death of Hamlet goes awry, causing the death of Gertrude.  Hamlet finally achieves vengeance for his father’s murder, but does not live to tell the tale. 

Jennifer Ehle & Alex Lawler
Photo courtesy of Park Avenue Armory

This cast is brilliant.  Every performance is precise and clear, projecting throughout the expansive Park Avenue Armory space.  Alex Lawther portrays Hamlet as a meek and gentle man who is apprehensive about his power, his grief, and his rage.  There are explosive moments, followed by emotional retreats and deep uncertainty.  This dichotomy is potent, and clearly illustrates Shakespeare’s intent, which was way before Freud and any understanding of this kind of psychological characterization. 

Angus Wright has a strong and domineering presence as Claudius, fully taking charge of every element of his rule, including Hamlet’s fate.  Jennifer Ehle’s Gertrude is joyous in her new marriage, truly unaware of Claudius’ tyrannical betrayal.  Prominently depicted in this production is a territory conflict between Norway and Denmark, started by King Hamlet.  This frames the level of power that Claudius is hungry to achieve.  Hamlet’s death brings peace and resolution to Denmark’s on-going conflict with Norway, making him a honored and remembered international figure.    

Calum Finlay, Alex Lawther, & Tia Bannon
Photo courtesy of Park Avenue Armory

The interpretation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is refreshing.  There is conflict between the two characters as Guildenstern is loyal to Hamlet and genuinely concerned about his well-being.  Rosencrantz’s loyalties lie more on achieving Claudius’ directives.  Calum Finlay and Lise Bruneau beautifully play these characters, enacting these distinct objectives and earnest concerns.  It drive their scenes and creates an unsettling effect when we hear about their outcome.

The final scene is magnificently directed.  Most of the dialogue is cut, and the duel is staged as a fencing tournament.  One by one the characters are poisoned, with close-ups provided by video projections.  They exit to heaven and are met by King Hamlet and the other deceased characters.  There is a visceral sense of forgiveness and mercy, creating compassion and forward movement.  This illuminates Shakespeare’s well-known final line of this play. 

Photo courtesy of Park Avenue Armory

If you are a Shakespeare or Hamlet enthusiast you must see this production.  The interpretation is enthralling.  The performances are superb.  Hamlet is playing at the Park Avenue Armory in rep with Aeschylus’ Oresteia through August 13.  Both productions are in association with the Almeida Theatre in London.  The production of Oresteia is sure to be equally engaging. 

Domenick Danza

Hamlet

Hamlet

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Celebrating their 24^th year of presenting free Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Hamlet rings fresh, truthful, and alive.  Director Karla Hendrick trimmed down Shakespeare’s book, kept the action flowing, and guided the actors to dive deeply into the characters to deliver genuine performances.  Ms. Hendrick makes some bold and brilliant choices, especially in casting women in roles written for men, adding levels of humor and social commentary not normally seen in Hamlet.

Jane Bradley & Una Clancy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Hamlet (played by Jane Bradley) is visited by the ghost of his father, King Hamlet (played by Bill Green).  He asks Hamlet to avenge his death.  The King was murdered by his brother, Claudius (played by Robert Arcaro), who then married the anguished Queen, Gertrude (played by Una Clancy).  Claudius now wears the crown and plots to get rid of Hamlet.  Hamlet feigns madness in order to prove the ghost’s message and plan his revenge.  

Jane Bradley is remarkable as Hamlet.  Her melancholy is heartfelt and her madness is cunning.  She takes the audience deeply into Hamlet’s inner thoughts during the soliloquies, bringing nuance and clarity to every word.  Gracie Winchester is charming and coy as Ophelia.  The audience feels for her when she is rejected by Hamlet.  She and Ms. Bradley develop a warm, tender, and truthful connection.  When Hamlet arrives at Ophelia’s burial, Ms. Bradley creates a genuine moment of sorrow and heartache.  

Jane Bradley as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Robert Arcaro and Una Clancy both have a strong presence as Claudius and Gertrude.  Their relationship and position are real, and the tensions between them and Hamlet is tangible.  Elowyn Castle is powerful as Laertes and Ophelia’s mother, Polonia.  The famous advice to Laertes speech is touching and heartfelt.  She then transitions into a political manipulator when playing scenes with Claudius and Gertrude.  John Caliendo delivers an honest performance as Laertes.  The relationship he and Ms. Winchester create as brother and sister is playful and caring.

Aly Byatt and Lulu Fairclough-Stewart bring a humorous aspect to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlets friends from school.  Together the three women have the timing, humor, and bite of set of mean girls.  Strong performances are also delivered by Bill Green, Dan Teachout, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Niamh Ryan, Colleen Cosgrove, and Margo Tillstrom.

The final performance of Hamlet was July 28.  If you missed it, don’t dismay.  There is one more show in The Drilling Company’s Summer Shakespeare Season.  Macbeth will be performed at Bryant Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM from August 24 through September 8.  It is sure to be a great production.  Yes, it is FREE, so don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza

Hamlet

Hamlet

The Public Theater

August 11, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Sam Gold has directed a bare bones production of Hamlet at The Public Theater that is accessible, riveting, and engaging.  He incorporates humor and song to render this tale of power, revenge, and madness into a story of human emotion and frailty.  The cast of nine are all in modern dress and double on a few roles.  The action builds from one act to the next, erupting to its fatal climax and tragic conclusion.

It is reported to the grieving Prince Hamlet (played by Oscar Isaac) that the ghost of his father, the King, has been seen roaming in the dark of night.  Hamlet seeks out the specter, who reveals that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius (played by Ritchie Coster), who now wears the crown.  This builds on Hamlet’s despair, since Claudius has already married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude (played by Charlayne Woodard).  Hamlet is obligated to take revenge.  His plot is a slow one, delayed by his need for proof of Claudius’ deed and his mother’s participation, and his desire to separate from his love, Ophelia (played by Gayle Rankin).

Charlayne Woodard & Oscar Issac
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Oscar Isaac’s Hamlet carefully figures out his plan while purposefully keeping the other characters at arms distance with a convincing act of madness.  His soliloquies transport the audience into Hamlet’s deeper layers of thought and emotion.  His Hamlet grows over the course of the play, coming to terms with his grief and desolation, and becoming keenly focused on his choices for action.  Charlayne Woodard’s Gertrude slowly draws the conclusion that Claudius murdered her husband.  Her physicality transforms as the realization becomes clear.  You see it in her eyes, especially in the way she looks at Claudius.  These small moments play powerfully and flip the action at unexpected moments. 

Mr. Gold juxtaposes the intensity of Laertes’ need for retribution and the heightened emotion of Ophelia’s mad scene with the slow build of Hamlet’s well thought out plan of revenge and act of madness.  Both depictions ring true, and serve two purposes.  It frames Claudius’ suspicion of Hamlet throughout the course of the play and also offers a visceral insight into Hamlet’s character and thought process.  Mr. Gold also does a stunning job of double casting.  Ritchie Coster plays both Claudius and the Ghost of King Hamlet.  His Claudius is presuming and cunning.  His King Hamlet is haunting and consumed.  There are a few scenes where he switches roles on the spot, which impressively make a strong statement.  Peter Friedman is cast as both Polonius and a Grave Digger.  He is witty and authoritative as Polonius, then, shortly after his murder, successfully hits the comic timing of one of the Grave Diggers. 

Oscar Isaac & Gayle Rankin
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Anatol Yusef is bold as Laertes.  His character maintains his composure and strength, then becomes overwrought with emotion at the murder of his father and suicide of his sister.  Gayle Rankin plays Ophelia’s mad scene to the max, conjuring a deep level of compassion and empathy.  Keegan-Michael Key is warm and charming as Horatio.  He is the window with which the audience enters the story, and the final voice of reason at the end.

Hamlet is playing at The Public Theater through September 3.  It runs four hours with two intermissions.  The journey is rich, truthful, and well worth every second.       

Domenick Danza