The Washington Ballet Presents HAMLET at the Kennedy Center, 3/23

The Washington Ballet (TWB) premieresHamlet March 23- April 3 at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Set to the spellbinding music of Philip Glass, Hamlet redefines this tragic Shakespeare classic and the limits of dance in a stylish production that presents Hamlet's internal struggle over avenging his father's murder.

"Stephen Mills Hamlet is sleek and dramatic - from the choreography to the sparse and contemporary scenic design, says Septime Webre, The Washington Ballet's Artistic Director. "This performance is like no Shakespeare work you've ever seen. Mills' strips down the complex play by focusing on lead characters, all while interjecting several take-your-breath-away moments."

Hamlet is a compact retelling of Shakespeare's celebrated play and includes Hamlet's family comprising his father's ghost, his mother Gertrude and his murderous uncle, Claudius - along with Ophelia and her family - father Polonius and brother Laertes.

Mills collaborated with scenic designer Jeffrey A. Main and lighting designer Tony Tucci to create contemporary and minimalist sets. The choreography is set to a score by Philip Glass', one that Mills describes as haunting in its temperament and open to interpretation. "I think it's adaptive in many ways and that's what draws me to it. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most intense dramas and Philip's music has a way of developing this narrative tension that you really don't expect."

Hamlet will be performed for two weeks at the Kennedy Center.

Performance Schedule

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - 7:30pm

Thursday, March 24, 2016 - 7:30pm

Friday, March 25, 2016 - 7:30pm

Saturday, March 26, 2016 - 1:30pm

Saturday, March 26, 2016 - 7:30pm

Thursday, March 31, 2016 - 7:30pm

Friday, April 1, 2016 - 7:30pm

Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 1:30pm

Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7:30pm

Sunday, April 3, 2016 - 1:30pm

Sunday, April 3, 2016 - 7:30pm

For more information about Hamlet, visit washingtonballet.org.