Tag: Hamlet

National Theatre’s cast for Hamlet is out

The National Theatre has unveiled the full casting and creative team for its upcoming production of Hamlet, directed by Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie. Hamlet is on until 22 November at the National Theatre in Southbank. Known for his acclaimed work on Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Hastie brings a sharp, stylish, and darkly funny reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy to the South Bank. With rehearsals now underway, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be a fearless and fresh exploration of one of theatre’s greatest plays. Hiran Abeysekera Returns to the National Theatre Leading the production is Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera, whose astounding performance in Life of Pi captivated audiences and critics alike. Abeysekera makes his highly anticipated return to the National Theatre in the titular role of Hamlet, a young prince caught between duty, doubt, and the complex web of power and privilege surrounding him in the court of Denmark. This contemporary reimagining invites audiences to experience Hamlet in a whole new light, showcasing Hastie’s inventive direction and Abeysekera’s undeniable talent. It’s an exciting moment for classical theatre as one of Shakespeare’s most famous works is revitalised for a modern audience. Full Casting Brings Exceptional Talent to Denmark Joining Abeysekera is an impressive ensemble cast, including: This cast brings together seasoned performers and rising stars to inject energy into one of Shakespeare’s most enduring tales. Behind the Scenes: A Cutting-Edge Creative Team Director Robert Hastie is joined by an esteemed creative team, each adding their expertise to craft a dynamic and immersive… Read More

Hamlet coming to the Sydney Opera House

a man wearing a crown

One of the most successful operas ever composed by an Australian, Brett Dean’s internationally acclaimed Hamlet will finally make its long-awaited Sydney Opera House debut with Opera Australia next month. Directed by Australian theatre royalty, Neil Armfield and based on Shakespeare’s infamous play, Hamlet premiered in 2017 at the Glyndebourne Festival UK and has since been staged at the Adelaide Festival, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and most recently at the Munich Opera Festival. With Dean’s evocative music and thrilling libretto by Canadian Matthew Jocelyn offering audiences additional insights into the inner world of thought and emotion of the crazed son trying to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet is an invigoratingly modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s revenge thriller. Armfield has created a “viscerally physical” (Sydney Morning Herald) production, collaborating with Australian designers Ralph Myers and Alice Babidge to produce a slick royal court with darkness at its heart. Contemporary opera specialist, Anglo-German conductor Tim Anderson will make his Australian debut to guide the Opera Australia Orchestra through Dean’s immensely complex and astoundingly raw, visceral score comprising electronic music and cinema-like surround sound effects. Known as the ‘tortured tenor’ due to his extraordinary performances, British tenor Allan Clayton will reprise the demanding title role opposite homegrown soprano Lorina Gore, singing her spellbinding Helpmann-winning performance as Ophelia, and tour-de-force American baritone Rod Gilfry as Claudius. Australian mezzo-soprano Catherine Carby makes a welcome return to Opera Australia to make her role debut as Gertrude alongside an outstanding local cast and the Opera Australia Chorus, while Scottish accordionist James Crabb will… Read More