Displaying items by tag: Cristina Leon Barandiaran

Ser o no ser   esa es la cuestión

We are all familiar with Shakespeare’s iconic line: to be or not to be; famous enough that it doesn’t need the projected English supertitles to be recognized. This adaptation of the celebrated play is written and directed by Chela De Ferrari, in company with the eight actors from Teatro La Plaza: Octavio Bernaza, Jaime Cruz, Lucas DeMarchi, Manuel Garcia, Diana Gutierrez, Cristina Leon Barandiaran, Ximena Rodriguez, and Alvaro Toledo.

Teatro La Plaza, in partnership with the Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance, brings this production of HAMLET all the way from Lima Peru. This company of eight extraordinary artists explores the central theme of identity through their personal experiences as people with Down’s Syndrome. “I am not the same as you” resounds through the production, not as a theme of alienation but as a way to better understand the complex reality of being human. How Hamlet defines himself in a world that he is held apart from is explored through dance and song, humor and passion, bringing modern perspectives to the ancient play.  

The play is presented in several disparate and unique formats, incorporating pantomime and music, stagecraft and film. The cast is a true ensemble; all eight performers inhabit the title character of Hamlet at some point in the production, yet we are never confused, for all speak of their similar experiences with inclusion and discrimination.  “I am not the same as you” is not a lament but a celebration of uniqueness, a fusion of modern lived experience with 450-year-old words.

The screen behind the actors comes alive with unexpected images: from a graphic film of a baby’s birth to a question-and-answer session with Sir Ian McKellan about his interpretation and portrayal of Hamlet. Video Technician Dennis Hilario smoothly incorporates myriad visual effects throughout, complementing the brilliant cast performances.

In addition to the marvelous tutorial with Sir Ian (who must have reveled in the unique opportunity!), the cast appraises Laurence Olivier’s majestic performance, reminding us that the character of Hamlet is traditionally played by an iconic theatrical master. Writer-Director Chela De Ferrari boldly chose to assign that role to actors historically excluded from artistic and intellectual spaces, provoking us to experience Hamlet’s famous question, “Ser o no ser” personally and in real time.

De Ferrari developed the script with the cast over the course of a year, incorporating the actors’ personal experiences as people with Down Syndrome. The result combines Shakespeare’s 450-year-old verse with private anecdotes from the actors’ lives, adding a modern twist with music (Vocal Training, Alessandra Rodriguez), dance (choreography, Mirella Carbone) and video projections (Visuals Director Lucho Soldevilla). ‘To be or not to be’ is not spoken once by a single designated ‘Hamlet’; all the performers offer their own interpretation of the line via their personal struggles for existence. We learn how they, like Hamlet, strive to claim space in a world that deliberately overlooks them. Says De Ferrari, “Everywhere we go, audiences experience something beyond what they expected. Some arrive anticipating a ‘social project’ or an ‘amateur production’ but leave artistically and intellectually challenged.”

Central to the audience experience is the theme of joy, an emotion not typically associated with Hamlet. The play is a revenge tragedy, exploring despair, grief, and vengeance, and is well known for its many deaths, yet these imaginative Peruvian artists transform it into a celebration of life. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Edward Hall described it as ‘sunshine in a bottle’.

The play is performed in Spanish with projected English supertitles; the one aspect of this wonderful production that I had issues with. I found it difficult to read; the projected lines were too small and often not bright enough. BUT – do NOT let this observation keep you from attending HAMLET. Several people (including me) pointed out the difficulties to the crew and I have no doubt that lighting directors Marvin Calle and Jesus Reyes are addressing them.

Whether you’ve seen HAMLET onstage or not, you owe it to yourself to see this production of Shakespeare’s most famous play. The entirety of the plot is preserved, the most celebrated lines retained (“get thee to a nunnery!”), augmented and enlivened by the actors’ own experiences.

HAMLET plays at the Chciago Shakespeare Theatrer through March 23.

Very Highly Recommended!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!