Barter Theatre

At the end of the play, Hamlet urges Horatio, his closest friend, to tell his story. This final request has reverberated soundly, spanning over 400 years since Hamlet’s first production. Why do we return to this play time and time and time again?

For me, I was drawn into the world of Hamlet not because of its massive cultural significance, but because the story continues to reflect our own authentic, expansive humanness–the good, the bad, and the ugly. When describing theatre at its best, Hamlet claims a play’s purpose “both at the first and now, was and is to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to Nature.”

What “Nature” do you see Hamlet reflecting in our Appalachian region today? The story follows a young man wrestling with impossible choices. Hamlet lives in a tumultuous home that has a history of violence. In the face of his painful current circumstances, he questions if living is worthwhile. As the action unfolds, we watch each character make decisions that change the course of their lives forever. Where does the culpability lie? Who bears responsibility for the fallout? Perhaps Hamlet can allow us to consider how we may better grapple through the impossible moments in our own daily lives.

- Sarah Van Deusen, Director of Hamlet

Cast List

Hamlet
Sam McCalla*

Gertrude
Carrie Smith Lewis*

Claudius/Ghost
Michael Poisson*

Ophelia/Osric
Libby Zabit*

Polonius/Gravedigger/Player
Paris Bradstreet*

Horatio
Garrett Houston

Marcellus/Laertes/Rosencrantz/Player
James Hendley

Francisco/Guildenstern/Player
Vince McGill*

*Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.

Understudies never substitute for listed actors unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.