At the Flight Deck in Oakland, on a raised plank in the middle of an oblong stage, sits Michael Moran’s Hamlet. Eerie vocalizations surround him as provided by a cast of thirty actors. The entire action takes place in this space in a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s popular tragedy about Denmark’s grieving prince.
Reeling from the loss of his father, Hamlet goes through a series of rash decisions that lead up to the cumulation of the play. Moran starts the play a bit out of order, with Hamlet’s famous monologue at the rise. It works well, as it foreshadows the events to come, and sets the scene for us to understand Hamlet’s state of mind.
The language is heightened, but it feels fresh, the costuming is modernized, and the actors do a good job of blending past and present. It’s exciting to watch the chemistry of the large cast come together. It’s a very cerebral take; we can read the bereavement process behind the actions. Hamlet’s descent into madness and obsession to avenge his father comes from a place of deep hurt that’s riveting to watch. In that sense, it’s very true to the text.
As per usual, Ubuntu Theater Project, under the direction of Moran, has created an innovative piece of theater. With a diverse cast and crew and a mission to make meaningful art for the community, this Hamlet becomes timeless. Pay-what-you-can tickets mean the play is also accessible to audiences who may otherwise miss Shakespeare’s great work.
Hamlet runs now through November 4th. For more information and pay-what-you-can subscriptions, visit: www.ubuntutheaterproject.com.
