Five Boston Theatres Re-Imagine HAMLET, 11/14

As part of Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, imaginary beasts and Whistler in the Dark's month-long exploration of Shakespeare's works, the two companies are throwing open their theatre doors to five local groups for a special, one-night only event that explodes the Bard's most celebrated tragedy, Hamlet. Each group has been randomly assigned an act from the great tragedy and asked to create a 15- minute response piece to it. The only rule? No performing the act as written.

Tackling the acts are Charlestown Working Theater (Act I), Vaquero Playground (Act II), Woellert and Clark (Act III), New Exhibition Room (Act IV), and Meron Langsner (Act V). Each group brings its own unique and exciting aesthetic to the table, and the results are sure to intrigue and inspire. In an evening that includes extensive stage combat, espionage, shadow puppetry, and original music, these five companies explore alternate versions of the Danish Prince's tragedy. This is Shakespeare like you've never seen it before!

"As we set about programming our month of theatre, we very much wanted to expand the celebration to include some of our favorite collaborators," says Whistler's Artistic Director Meg Taintor. "The final evening will feature premiere performances of original work by some of Boston's most exciting voices."

Imaginary beasts Company Member Kiki Samko adds "Some of these companies are well-established and some are up-and-coming; and one, New Exhibition Room, is imaginary beasts counterpart as an Emerging Theatre Company at the BCA. What they all have in common is their pursuit of inventiveness and excellence in theatrical collaboration." Interspersed among the main pieces will be a series of shorter original songs and art pieces, inspired by single quotes from the great play.

Something Rotten - Shakespeare's Hamlet...re-mixed is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 accepted at the door. Doors open at 7pm and seating will be on a first come, first served basis."

FEATURING: Vaquero Playground, The Charlestown Working Theater, Woellert and Clark, New Exhibition Room and Meron Langsner

WHEN: November 14, 2011 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Plaza Black Box Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts * 539 Tremont Street * Boston MA *

TICKETS: Free admission, donations accepted at the door

About the Boston Center for the Arts:

The Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) is the nonprofit performing and visual arts center whose mission is to support working artists to create, perform, and exhibit new work; to develop new audiences; and to connect the arts to a broad public. For more information, visit www.bcaonline.org.