Photo Flash: Nine Theatricals' HAMLET Begins Tonight at 13th Street Rep
By: BWW News Desk Jul. 13, 2016
Nine Theatricals in association with Engine Productions will present HAMLET at the 13th Street Repertory Theater in a special limited engagement, tonight, July 13, through July 24 (Wednesday - Saturday @8:00 p.m.; matinees: Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 p.m.). BroadwayWorld has a look behind the scenes below!
HAMLET is possibly Shakespeare's most widely-known play with more revivals, films, adaptations, versions, and references, than any other. But did you know Shakespeare's play itself was a version of an older story?
Nine Theatricals' production features excerpts from numerous older texts said to be what the author used as inspiration. Works that served as fodder for HAMLET date as far back as the Romans and The Vikings and as near as one of Shakespeare's own competitors.
MATT DE ROGATIS (who plays the title character) and Jay Michaels, the production's director, have compiled elements of these other versions - including the Scandinavian concept of a narrator - or story-teller - sharing details as if the tale was far too old to be truly depicted without one - into a version of Hamlet but also the story of Hroðulf from the late 5th century and the 6th century; Amlóði from the 12th century; Ur-Hamlet and Heronimo from the early renaissance. When the smoke clears, this is a HAMLET not yet done: Jay Michaels, a professor of speech communications and the performing arts worked closely with de Rogatis to create a cacophony of theories and subplots enacted within the production - from the much discussed incest to addiction and self-abuse; love, lust, bisexuality, and BDSM; current social mores vs. religious beliefs.
Tickets at hamletnyc.brownpapertickets.com and further info at ManDelightsNotMe.com.
The King's Crown - an original piece of art valued at more than $10,000 - has been donated by an anonymous artist whose work currently is on display at the Museum of Modern Art and The British Museum.
The production sports a steampunk look created by Maya Luz, a designer for Calvin Klein - and former PROJECT RUNWAY contestant.
Maya's designs
Celebrated painter Eileen Kennedy has created original paintings of Hamlet's 'Dumb Show' as part of the set.
Mary E. Micari, a professional sound and music healer, has literally orchestrated the emotion of the production using rare and ancient instruments like the lyre, monochord, and African and Indian drums.
SFX artist Shane Vannest has created a custom-made 'Yorick' skull.
Michael Hagins, artistic director of C.A.G.E. Theatre Company, has created a very special sword fight and hand-to-hand combat sequence culminating the production.
Christina Helmer, a professional hat designer and founder of Christina's Millinery Lab will be supplying items for Ophelia and the Queen.
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