The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Reviews

Washington Post- Somewhat Recommended

"...There's no accusing Avant Bard Theatre of losing sight of its moniker with director Kathleen Akerley's experimental adaptation of "Hamlet" at Arlington's Gunston Arts Center, where the casting subverts gender norms, anachronisms slip into the script and grief-induced soundscapes often drown out the Elizabethan language."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about Hamlet, Avant Bard brings a whole new approach to one of the Bard’s most enigmatic characters. Director Kathleen Akerley’s re-imagining brings fresh, innovative twists to Hamlet and the characters around him."

MD Theatre Guide- Recommended

"...Avant Bard Theatre has a reputation for offering a malleable Shakespeare that speaks to an array of issues, stagings, and audiences. With their production of Kathleen Akerley’s conception of “Hamlet,” Avant Bard yet again shows how adaptable Shakespeare can be to any era, any staging, and any cast. Akerley’s version of the play holds up well to her Director’s Note promise of prompting audiences to “rethink some relationships.” This version of Hamlet offers re-stagings that further embroil lesser characters in the action, that sees actors slipping in and out of numerous roles regardless of gender, and that defines key plot moments through well-timed homages to masques. It is an intriguing theatrical offering that tests the limits of what Shakespeare can do."

BroadwayWorld- Recommended

"...The Avant Bard Theatre’s niche lies in reinventing the classics, and to close out its 35th season, Avant Bard Theatre is taking on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This rendition, directed by artistic associate Kathleen Akerley, uses an abridged original script (with no sign of the Danes) while bending the tone, characters, and scenes with heightened malice and sorrow to explore how grief impacts the story."