Hamlet – Royal Lyceum Theatre

An international festival ought to end in carnival fashion, and this blended version of Hamlet did just that. It was an explosion of success, rejoicing, a knees-up and warm audience participation. Teatro La Plaza from Lima, Peru, has created a feast of a show using back projection (Lucho Soldevilla), music, thoughtful lighting (Jesūs Reyes), a simple set and a fabulous cast of Downs Syndrome adults.

This adaptation of Hamlet is both funny in itself and wonderful as a piece of art for showcasing the unquestionable talents of a marginalised sector of society. Written and directed by Chela De Farrari, a founder of the company, the intention is to entertain as you ask questions which help us better understand the contemporary world and, in this instance, the world of the Downs person in particular. She is clearly a sensitive and astute woman who knows how to mould a show to the very best it can be. Her attention to detail and her warm enveloping of the audience to commune with the actors makes this work shine.

I was charmed by these young adults as they introduced themselves and then told their version of Shakespeare’s classic. They were highly professional and the parallels between them and Hamlet rang true. The cast had a voice and they were using it wisely, intelligently and meaningfully. It isn’t dismissed. They are listened to on stage. Just like Hamlet struggles with his environment, so do they. They don’t conform, just like Hamlet. They have questions, just like Hamlet. Each actor is brilliant in their own right, and the ensemble working creates pace, energy and a sense of community right there, in front of you. The immediacy is splendid.

In an interview at the Festival D’Avignon, De Farrar explained: “No one expected to see the title role played by an actor with Down syndrome. By subverting expectations in this way, we were able to approach the question of the human condition from a different angle.”

This play is newly minted, fresh, lively, and ideal for an international festival where there is a home and a place for everyone. Teatro La Plaza is a gem of a company. They are moving on to Chekov with blind and partially-sighted people. I hope from this acorn grows a strong understanding and a greater sensitivity towards those with disabilities. I look forward, with anticipation, to more of Teatro La Plaza’s challenging work that sweeps the audience once more onto the stage with delight.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 16th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: 5