Theatre Department Presents “Hamlet”

Truman’s Theatre Department will present “Hamlet” at 8 p.m. Feb. 17-20 in the James G. Severns Theatre.

Shakespeare’s famous play has been called a philosophical, metaphysical inquiry and a revenge tragedy. A young Danish prince suffers a devastating loss: the untimely death of his father, followed rapidly by the re-marriage of Hamlet’s mother to the dead king’s brother, Claudius. A ghostly visitation confirms that Claudius murdered the dead king. Hamlet vows revenge and formulates a plan that is stymied by happenstance and his own depression.

The production updates the action to a kind of timeless now, while also drawing inspiration from the lines, shapes and imagery of the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along with other gender-bent casting choices, the part of Hamlet will be played by a woman.

“Hamlet” is directed by Dana Smith, Theatre Department chair. The production will also feature live music composed by graduate student Enrique Eskeda, light design by senior Maddie Chambers, projections design by art student Priscilla Parisa and sound design by sophomore Gabe Stringer. Costumes and scenery are designed by assistant professor Dominique Glaros and professor Ron Rybkowski. 

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at the Ophelia Parrish Box Office or by calling 660.785.4515. There are no refunds or exchanges. Guests from out-of-town may reserve tickets by calling the box office. The production is also offering a group discount rate of $4 per-person for any non-University school groups composed of at least 10 students.

To view the cast of "Hamlet," click here.