One of the world’s greatest tragedies penned by the world’s greatest bard, Hamlet is presented in Philadelphia in a way that it hasn’t been in hundreds of years: the title role is played by a woman.
Those who read Shakespeare in high school (or at least saw Shakespeare in Love) know that Shakespeare was no stranger to gender-bending: during his time, all of his characters regardless of gender were played by men. Director Carmen Kahn decided to cast a female to play the Danish Prince as a comment on the universality of the role.
Hamlet tells the tale of Prince Hamlet seeking vengeance for his father’s death at his uncle’s hand, the same uncle who recently wed Hamlet’s mother. This production focuses on the concept that “Hamlet is me” — the fact that we can all recognize a piece of ourselves in Hamlet.
This season at the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, Hamlet is presented in repertory with As You Like It, providing a pleasant balance between tragedy and comedy.
Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 215-496-8001.
Hamlet
When: Now until May 15
Where: The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street
Cost: Tickets are $20-$35, with student tickets available for $20
More info: www.phillyshakespeare.org
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