To Be or Not to Be

Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet

Ask anyone for the title of a play that everybody knows and it’ll most likely be HAMLET. And especially when narrowing the choices down to Shakespearean dramas, comedies and histories, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who has not at least heard of this tragedy. From the time you’re in high school, most everyone will have read, studied and probably seen at least one production of the play. This is, after all, Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy, and it offers a challenging role that every actor worth his salt aspires to play. That makes this production all the more noteworthy. Elegantly written and directed by the founder of Teatro La Plaza, Peruvian theatre artist Chela De Ferrari has created a most unique and unusual retelling of the Bard’s classic that’ll be remembered for a long time to come.

Presenting HAMLET in a whole new light, Ms. De Ferrari mainly focuses on adapting and directing classical works. She’s especially interested in presenting theatre that showcases individuals who go most often unseen. The result is all-inclusive productions that spotlight one particular group of individuals. Last year Chela De Ferrari presented Chekov’s THE SEAGULL with a cast of visually impaired actors. In her current presentation of HAMLET, Ms. De Ferrari has focused on how the Danish Prince is continually trying to establish his identity in a society where he feels unseen and different. Casting her production with eight engaging young Peruvian actors, all of whom were born with Down syndrome, the Director has made the Dane’s most famous line, “To be or not to be,” the central theme of this production. Combining the creative process found through rehearsal with the plot of the play, the cast shares their own personal stories and their passion to be seen and heard.

The company, each of whom take a turn at playing Hamlet throughout the 95-minute play, is a likable group of young South American Thespians. Every actor, besides being particularly charming and talented, possesses their own special skills that 

Ms. De Ferrari has used in for this production. Octavio Bernaza, for example, is a tennis pro and holds several championships in dance competition; Jaime Cruz is a human rights activist and has a passion for, and is skillful in, a variety of sports; Lucas Demarchi is a multitalented theatre artist who not only acts but also designs sets and costumes; and in addition to his theatre skills, Manuel Garcia is talented in both kung fu and baking.

Diana Gutierrez has a real gift for dance, aerobics and swimming; Cristina Leon Barandiaran is an actress, singer and visual artist, who has a strong interest in the paranormal; Ximena Rodriguez has appeared on stage, television, in commercials and is a talented modern dancer and choreographer; and Alvaro Toledo is another performer with athletic strengths in tennis, karate and swimming and is also a skilled painter and party planner.

While the production is performed on a basically sparse stage, utilizing just a handful of props and costume pieces, it’s backed by a large projection screen. The play is enhanced by an array of stunning Visuals by Lucho Soldevilla, manipulated by Video Technician Dennis Hilario. In addition to Chela De Ferrari’s staging and guidance, the production features contributions by Associate Directors and Playwrights Jonathan Oliveros, Claudia Tangoa and Luis Alberto Leon. Alessandra Rodriguez has provided fine Vocal Training and Mirella Carbone has Choreographed some lively moments of dance.      

Through Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s mission to bring exciting new international companies to Chicago, Teatro La Plaza’s joyfully reimagined production of HAMLET isn’t simply the familiar story of the melancholy Dane. It’s a celebration of confidence, self-expression and being seen. Talented Writer and Director Chela De Ferrari has combined Shakespeare’s text with personal stories from the lives of her young actors. A talented and tireless cast of actors with Down syndrome make this one-act performance an animated and emotional theatrical experience. Especially now, with the government trying to stifle and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion from every walk of life, this production is particularly powerful and timely. Each spirited actor asks the audience to consider Hamlet’s query, “To be or not to be,” as interpreted through their own unique experiences. All of these moments are presented amidst a delightful potpourri of song, choreography, audience participation and whimsy that’ll make audiences think differently about HAMLET.

Highly Recommended 

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 13-23 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the Upstairs Theatre, 800 E. Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the CST box office, by calling 312.595.5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.