To be or not to be… (Present at Hamlet !)
If you’re fortunate enough to have a ticket for Hamlet, Prince du Danemark, consider yourself part of an exclusive audience witnessing the perfect marriage of theatrical brilliance and dance mastery.
Co-created by theatre visionary Robert Lepage and principal dancer Guillaume Côté, this performance is a breathtaking re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, where words give way to movement, and the legendary tragic prince is brought to life through the power of dance.
In this daring re-imagining of Hamlet, Guillaume Côté, in the titular role, stands at the heart of the production. He is nothing short of mesmerizing as he transforms Shakespeare’s iconic character into a deeply emotional and powerful dance performance. His embodiment of the tragic Danish prince is deeply human and haunting, revealing the complexity of the character in ways that words simply cannot capture.
Côté’s performance is filled with raw emotion, from the tortured despair of a prince questioning his purpose to the fierce resolve of a man confronting his fate. His movements, filled with grand jetés, and other classical ballet movements, offers an interpretation of Hamlet that feels as timeless as the tragedy itself.
The performance features a stellar ensemble of nine virtuoso dancers, each contributing to the immersive experience with breathtaking precision and artistry. With a minimalist set and evocative film-worthy music by John Gzowski, the stage transforms into a world where the living and the dead exist in perfect harmony, creating an atmosphere both dreamlike and hauntingly real.
The interplay between dance and set design allows for an entirely new way of experiencing the classic story, drawing the audience into a world where appearance is never what it seems.
The curtain plays a central role in this performance, appearing repeatedly to subtly change the set or transform into different elements. In one poignant scene, a blue curtain is transformed into a giant, overwhelming wave, representing the deep, swirling emotions that engulf Ophelia as she succumbs to the waters.
Lepage’s directorial vision, combined with Côté’s exceptional talent, creates an artistic summit that is both visually stunning and emotionally profound. This is not merely a performance, but an exploration of the human soul, a deep dive into the darkness and complexity of Shakespeare’s characters through the language of dance.
Hamlet, Prince du Danemark is a must-see event for anyone who appreciates theatre, dance, or art in its most innovative form. A triumph for both Côté and Lepage, this production is an unforgettable evening of pure artistry.
With tickets sold out through February 22, 2025, it’s clear that this is a performance people are eager to witness, and it is easy to see why.
An artistic tour de force that you don’t want to miss!
Tickets for the Toronto production running April 3-7 can be purchased HERE
To learn more about up-coming Danse Danse productions please visit : https://www.dansedanse.ca/fr/spectacles