“Hamnet” Is An Intriguing Peek Behind The Curtain To The Drama Beyond
By Wes Hessel with D’Arcy Mies
Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier has once again collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, this time for the U.S. premiere of the play adaptation of the best selling novel by Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet”. The drama is penned by Lolita Chakrabarti, award-winning author of such great works as “Red Velvet”, “Life of Pi”, and the recently well acclaimed Chicago Shakes-produced “Hymn”, so the ancestry of this production is clearly prepped for greatness. And, of course, CST and RSC deliver…
The set is simple and effective: wooden beams make basic scaffolding-type structures in the background, representing the A-frame of the attic/annex young William’s family lived in – a tiny addition to his parents’ home. At other times, the lighting gives the structure an appearance of a white stucco facade in classic Tudor style. The minimalist furniture and furnishings consist primarily of a large moveable table, a chair, some apples, and a basket. Costuming is authentic, with simple period-suggestive clothing.
Agnes (Kemi-Bo Jacobs as Shakespeare’s other half) is just great – Ms. Jacob’s acting, portraying different stages of the Bard’s wife’s life, is really impressive. The actors all pair well together, especially in the genuine warmth between William (portrayed quite credibly by Rory Alexander) and Agnes – they play a couple so well, even when their relationship changes throughout the story.
I am also impressed by how the characters are characterized across different ages in life – it is carried off smartly. This show has lots of magical realism, and it is well done, for example, a moment of precognition, or “hearing” the spirit of the dead. Flashbacks and time shifts are also effectively handled – they are both subtle and clear. You are never hit over the head with it, but what is going on is made apparent. And one has to admit, it is lovely to hear actual British accents employed.
Although the play is serious and sad at times, it is a joy for Shakespeare fans to see more of the world, hear more of that world. We are not just seeing the legendary playwright’s bedroom or his actors on stage, but also seeing his spouse collecting honey from the bees, and his father in his glove making workshop. It IS historical fiction, but the work does an excellent job of connecting things we know the Bard did, providing explanation, and fleshing out backstory.
We highly recommend it for lovers of Shakespeare, those who want to learn more, and the curious. But the chance to get an interior look at the life of a legend only is on stage until March 8th, so if you please, kindly direct your attention to www.chicagoshakes.com for tickets or more information.
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