The Edinburgh International Festival’s theme this year speaks to the importance of collective experiences to bind us closer together, and this is truly accomplished by Teatro La Plaza’s performance of Hamlet. Eight actors with Down’s Syndrome take to the stage to share their desires and frustrations between their lives and one of the most famous pieces of theatre – Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The performance weaves between the experiences of the actors and the text of Hamlet to ask what does “being” mean, for those who do not have spaces to participate in society?
Teatro La Plaza from Lima, Peru, describe themselves as “presenting both new writing and classics re-imagined for a contemporary audience to provoke, surprise and provide a better understanding of our reality” ; they definitely did this for Hamlet. Their story intertwines the classic tale of the Danish prince with the lived experiences of the actors, which is as moving as it is entertaining. It challenges preconceived notions about disability and theatre, offering a fresh perspective on a classic story. This version of Hamlet is not only a tribute to a theatre classic but also a celebration of the human spirit.
From the first scene, it was clear that this Hamlet would be unlike any other. As the screen behind played a video of a baby being born, the actors came on stage one by one and watched. Then, we saw the crown being placed on an actors head, Hamlet’s crown. After that, we were introduced to the actor’s who made us aware that they may take pauses or stutter when performing, but to let them take their time and enjoy the performance. They had nothing to warn us about, the actors were all fantastic!
The performers’ use of Shakespeare’s language was nothing short of extraordinary. They delivered the iconic lines with a freshness that made the play feel both familiar and new. The famous soliloquies, in particular, were handled with a raw honesty that added layers of meaning. Specifically, the famous “To be or not to be”, (Ser o no ser, since the show was performed in Spanish) was spun into a question of how does one “be” in spaces when you are neurodivergent. We see our actors doubt their abilities, copy famous portrayals of Hamlet and even have a zoom call with Ian McKellen fpr advice. However, they discover that doing it their own way makes for a fresh and expressive take on the speech. They’ve truly owned this celebrated play.
What truly set this production apart were the moments when the actors stepped out of Shakespeare’s world and into their own. These segments, where they shared their personal stories, were incredibly touching. The contrast between the grand, tragedy of Hamlet and the intimate, honesty of the performers created a powerful dynamic that resonated deeply with the audience. Each story was told with sincerity and courage that it was impossible not to be moved.
The production was infused with a sense of joy and playfulness. The actors’ enthusiasm was infectious, and their sheer love for what they were doing shone through every scene. There were moments of humour and lightness that had the audience laughing out loud, proving that even in the shadow of tragedy, there is room for joy.
Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet is a mesmerising blend of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy and the deeply personal narratives of a remarkable group of performers who have Down’s Syndrome. This unique production goes beyond merely staging the Bard’s work, which so many have done before. This piece is a joyous celebration of art and life.
Theatre Scotland 
Leave a comment