T@F Presents a Powerful, Fast-Paced Hamlet in Somerville

Theatre@First wraps up a season of Shakespearean works with Hamlet, continuing a tradition of vigorous retellings of classic works. Performances will take place from November 15 to 23 at Unity Somerville.

The familiar tale of Hamlet begins when the Prince of Denmark returns home from school to mourn the death of his father, the King. When he learns of the suspiciously hasty marriage of his uncle to his newly widowed mother, his revulsion turns to revenge. Hamlet is bombarded on all sides: troops are on the march, old friends arrive with new agendas, his love turns cold, and violence tears his world apart. Is it madness or doubt that drives Hamlet toward his fate? T@F’s production takes you on a a fast-paced, emotional journey through the Bard’s finest work.

Director Elizabeth Hunter, the founding Artistic Director of Theatre@First, has placed her focus on the power of Shakespeare’s characters. “We have an incredible cast who are bringing their wild talents to these roles with commitment and full-throttled enthusiasm,” she said. “Hatem Adell as Hamlet challenges the stereotype of the character as a gormless youth. Nathan Johnson (Laertes) and Eveylne Cardella (Ophelia) bring power and heartbreak to often-forgettable roles.” The cast list includes some of T@F’s most brilliant veterans alongside several talented newcomers. Local theatre buffs will be excited to welcome Ron Lacey back from retirement in the role of Gertrude.

Hamlet caps off T@F’s 2019 season of Shakespeare-adjacent work, including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged], The Revenger’s Tragedy, and a Bare Bones Staged Reading of Paul Rudnick’s I Hate Hamlet. According to Hunter, “this has been an opportunity to explore the influence and lasting impact of Shakespeare’s work. We’ve been talking about Hamlet all year and now we close the circle by bringing our audiences back to the original inspiration.”

Since its founding in 2003, Theatre@First has produced more than fifty mainstage shows, as well as cabarets, Shakespeare slams, charity play festivals, and a popular series of staged readings. A vital part of the thriving Somerville arts scene, T@F draws on the talent and support of individuals and organizations throughout our community to provide affordable, quality theatre in a variety of local venues. For tickets and more information about Theatre@First, please visit www.theatreatfirst.org.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY NOV 15 8 PM
SATURDAY NOV 16 8 PM
SUNDAY NOV 17 3 PM*
THURSDAY NOV 21 8 PM
FRIDAY NOV 22 8 PM
SATURDAY NOV 23 3 PM*
*matinee performances

TICKET INFORMATION

$20 for adults
$15 for students/seniors
Group discounts available.
www.theatreatfirst.org

Unity Somerville, 6 William Street