Annapolis Shakespeare Company (ASC) will present William Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece Hamlet at the Bowie Playhouse from March 28th thru April 13th. The production is directed by ASC artistic director Sally Boyett. Featured in the cast are Manu Kumasi as Hamlet, Audrey Bertaux as Ophelia, Paul E. Hope as Claudius and Nafeesa Monroe as Gertrude.
Considered one of the most powerful tragedies in the English language, Hamlet stands apart among Shakespeare's thirty-eight plays for its unique experimentalism and theatricality. Set in Denmark, the play's hero, Prince Hamlet, is compelled to exact revenge on his Uncle Claudius for both the murder of his father and his Uncle's subsequent succession to the throne and marriage to Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Guilty of his nephew's accusations and fearful of his intent, Claudius eventually manipulates Laertes, the son of his ally Polonius, into a lethal fencing match with Hamlet. Laertes believes that Hamlet was responsible for the death of his sister Ophelia who committed suicide in a state of madness and grief for her love of Hamlet. A duel between Hamlet and Laertes takes place deciding the fates of all concerned.
Hamlet will be directed by Sally Boyett with assistance from voice coach, Nancy Krebs; fight choreographer, Paul E. Hope; and dramaturg, Kristin Clippard. Maggie Cason will assist with the modern-dress costumes. The director will explore the consciousness of Hamlet and examine the world of the play through his mind's eye.
Hamlet will be presented at the Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh Park (16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie, MD 20715) from Friday, March 28th thru Sunday, April 13th. Evening performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8:00pm. Matinees are Saturday at 2:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are $24 with discounts for students and seniors. For tickets and information call the ASC Box Office at (410) 415-3513 or online at AnnapolisShakespeare.org.