Gender-swapped adaptation of Hamlet at Masque theatre

A fresh new production of Hamlet will be presented at the Masque theatre from Friday May 9 to Saturday May 17.

This gender-swapped adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, directed by Yuri Behari-Leak, follows Hamlet, a young director at a modern film production studio soon before the premiere of her latest film, as she tries to avenge her mother's death.

The production stays true to Shakespeare's text as our heroine grapples with her own identity and morality, and adds the layer of how Hamlet can bring the perpetrator of gender-based violence to justice while staying on a feminist path.

‘As a testament to Shakespeare's remarkable insight into the human condition, we are thrilled to present this production in a modern setting while staying true to the original language,” says Behari-Leak.

“This fresh approach is sure to help high school learners as they engage with their setwork, while also appealing to Shakespeare aficionados. We’ve also trimmed the play to make it a more manageable length for a modern audience, without losing the key elements of what make Hamlet the classic it is.”

Hamlet will be presented on Friday May 9, Saturday May 10, Wednesday May 14, Thursday May 15, Friday May 16 and Saturday May 17, at 7.30pm; and Saturday May 10, Sunday May 11 and Saturday May 17, at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from R130 through Quicket.

Special block booking rates are available for high schools. Email admin@themasque.co.za for details.

The Masque Box Office is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays between 9am and 2pm. Wheelchair access and facilities are available at the theatre in Muizenberg.