**** Recommended Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet is an entirely unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s dark and broody play. The exuberant cast took possession of the story and retold it in their own inimitable style, and that style was personal and mostly joyful. They even made it interactive by inviting audience members into the production. 4 Spotlights
These young performers from Peru, all with Down syndrome, fearlessly built their interpretation of Hamlet around that that famous question – “To be or not to be?” Their use of pop music, dance, humor, silly costumes and audience participation turned a dreary story into a celebration.
At the end of the performance, each actor did an individual dance routine while his/her name was on the video screen. As all of them started dancing together, they invited the audience to join the dancing on stage.
The cast members are Octavia Bernaza, Jaime Cruz, Lucas Demarchi, Manuel García, Diana Gutiérrez, Cristina León Barandiarán, Ximena Rodríguez and Alvaro Toledo. Hamlet is written and directed by Chela De Ferrari.
When the cast shared personal anecdotes, I had a difficult time understanding them, since they were speaking Spanish. There were subtitles, but they were difficult to read. In addition, if I read the subtitles, I couldn’t watch the performers.
Note: the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare has tiered bleacher-style seating while the performance takes place on the floor. There was a large video screen behind the performers with another smaller screen for subtitles above that. When the lighting changed, it often shaded the subtitles making them harder to read.
Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet, a World Stage production from Peru, runs through March 23rd at Chicago Shakespeare’s Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs. Parking in CST’s designated area in the Navy Pier Garage is available at a 40% discount with validation from CST. Running time is 90 minutes without an intermission. FYI (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com