The Masque proudly presents Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet in a fresh new production
The Masque is proud to present Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet in a fresh new production that will resonate with everyone from high school learners to Shakespeare enthusiasts, Directed by Yuri Behari-Leak.
This gender-swapped adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy follows Hamlet, a young director at a modern film production studio soon before the premiere of her latest film, as she tries to avenge her mother’s death. The production stays true to Shakespeare’s text as our heroine grapples with her own identity and morality, and adds the layer of how Hamlet can bring the perpetrator of gender-based violence to justice while staying on a feminist path.
The play explores how we stay true to ourselves in a world of fame, celebrity and social media where appearance often eclipses reality.
Director Yuri Behari-Leak says:
“As a testament to Shakespeare’s remarkable insight into the human condition, we are thrilled to present this production in a modern setting while staying true to the original language.”
“This fresh approach is sure to help high school learners as they engage with their setwork, while also appealing to Shakespeare aficionados. We’ve also trimmed the play to make it a more manageable length for a modern audience, without losing the key elements of what make Hamlet the classic it is.”
The cast includes Hanna Todd, Gavin Werner, Leila Sasman and Ethan Andrew Wilton.
Yuri Behari-Leak is a Cape Town based storyteller with an eclectic range of creative and academic interests. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Psychology, Law and Film, an Honours degree in Psychology, and an LLB, all from the University of Cape Town.
He has written, directed and produced several short films, including a short documentary, and has acted in plays such as The Great Gatsby (2022) and Twelfth Night (2023). Yuri is currently a teaching assistant and researcher at UCT in the Public Law department, and he also tutors and lectures in the Psychology department.
Show Information
Hamlet
Venue:
The Masque Theatre
Dates & Times:
9, 10, 14,15, 16 and 17 May at 19h30
10,11 and 17 May at 14h30
Ticket Price:
R130 (including VAT)
Special block booking rates are available for high schools
Bookings:
Bookings can be made via Quicket
Age Restriction:
PG
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About The Masque
More than 60 years old, The Masque is an iconic venue in the Cape Town cultural landscape. A unique and historic space, it has been home to many amateur theatre societies over the years and was established by local attorney Bertie Stern with the objective of encouraging voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
Stern had a vision to provide a platform for both amateur and professional performers regardless of their social or political situation at that time. When The Masque opened, it was one of the only theatres in Cape Town that was open to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
A registered Non-Profit Organisation, The Masque strives to make theatre accessible to all – onstage, backstage and for the audience. Run by volunteers with a focus on community, the theatre showcases all genres of performance and is as widely inclusive as possible. The Masque is wheelchair friendly, has a fully licensed bar and snacks are available before shows and during intervals.
In 1993 Bertie bequeathed The Masque into trust for the benefit and growth of community theatre. The theatre was totally destroyed by fire in 1997 and it took two years to rebuild (thanks largely to the generosity of the late Joan St Leger-Lindbergh). The Theatre is still owned by the Stern Masque Theatre Trust and is managed by a board of volunteers.
At the helm of the operation is a team with professional theatre experience. Continuing its work into the post-Covid-19 era, The Masque seeks to present high-quality amateur theatre productions, providing a service of artistic engagement with the local community, celebrating diversity and building on the Theatre’s reputation as a sought-after professional venue-for-hire.
The Masque Box Office is open from 9am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Cash bar and simple snacks are available for sale at the Theatre.
