Sunday, February 23, 2020

A Superlative “Hamlet” from Dublin’s Gate Theatre

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

The Gate Theatre Dublin production of "Hamlet" ‪@stannswarehouse‬ is astonishing. The technical elements are perfect, but what really makes this a must see show is Ruth Negga's searing portrayal of the deep and fascinating complexities of the Dane prince.  Her performance made me experience each of the other major characters in the play in a way I have never previously experienced.  Admittedly, there is one weak link in the cast (Aoife Duffin as Ophelia), but no matter- this one of the finest Shakespeare productions I have seen.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The character complexities that imbue the Gate's "Hamlet" are largely missing in Simon Stone's modern adaptation of "Medea," a deficiency I attribute largely to Stone's writing and not the fine actors in this production at BAM.  But the production design and staging is mesmerizing and make this worth seeing.  MILDLY RECOMMENDED, WITH RESERVATIONS

The one person stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strout's fine novel "My Name Is Lucy Barton" is not inherently theatrical, but the always wonderful Laura Linney is the star of this show and makes for a largely compelling production.  RECOMMENDED

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