By Hannah Wolke, Guest Writer
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, staged across the Tri-State area from July through early September, has been met with widespread acclaim for its imaginative direction and exceptional use of acting techniques. This rendition of the Bard’s tragedy not only engaged audiences with its riveting performances, but also showcased a fresh and funny approach to classical acting.
Directed by Candice Handy, this production of Hamlet made use of the outdoor setting to enhance the play’s atmospheric qualities and to provide a way for a wider audience to watch Shakespeare for free. Handy’s direction emphasized an organic interaction between actors and their environment, creating a dynamic storyline through the classic tale of Hamlet.
A photo taken of behind the production booth.
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has been performing outdoor Shakespeare and non-Shakespeare entertainment for many years. Their performances are free for all to attend. Shakespeare in the Park tour is the only professional outdoor theater in Cincinnati each summer.
The portrayal of Hamlet was a highlight of the production. The actor’s approach to portraying Hamlet was marked by a deep psychological realism and comedy. They grasped onto Hamlet’s message throughout the play and made it truly their own.
This method allowed them to deliver a Hamlet who was both introspective and intensely present, particularly during the iconic “To be or not to be” soliloquy. Their use of pauses and changes in tone provided a fresh perspective on Hamlet’s existential dilemma, making his internal conflict both relatable and poignant.
The production’s use of ensemble acting was also notable. The cast worked cohesively to create a seamless flow of interactions, with each actor’s performance enhancing the overall narrative.
The chemistry between actors was palpable, particularly in scenes involving Hamlet’s interactions with other characters, which were marked by a naturalistic style that drew the audience into the play’s emotional core.
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Hamlet was a testament to the power of classical theater reimagined through contemporary acting techniques and a bright vision. The production not only honored Shakespeare’s original text but also introduced innovative methods that brought new depth to the play’s characters and themes.
With its successful run now concluded, the company has once again proven its ability to push the boundaries of traditional theater, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating its next creative endeavor.
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will be performing more Shakespeare and other entertainment this coming season including Fat Ham, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the merry Every Christmas Story Ever Told, Hamlet’s sister story A Room in the Castle, the new and clever Mrs. Dalloway Musical and last but certainly not least, Shakespeare’s The Tempest and The Scottish Play.
