Taylor Schilling In Seattle Rep’s “Hamlet”

Big news from Seattle Repertory Theatre as they announce casting for their upcoming virtual “Plays in Process” production of a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s HAMLET. “Orange is the New Black” star Taylor Schilling will join the cast on April 1st.

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Seattle Rep’s virtual Plays in Process series is underway, offering audiences guided and rare exposure to the raw, behind-the-scenes collaborative process of creating a play. Throughout the multi-part program, Seattle Rep is showcasing new plays in development that are on the horizon for the organization. Seattle Rep’s first Plays in Process presentation featured local award-winning playwright Cheryl L. West’s Fannie, and on April 1, audiences can look forward to the work of another familiar name – Erica Schmidt (MAC BETH) and her fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Single tickets for Hamlet and the Plays in Process series pass are available now and can be purchased at SeattleRep.org.

The New York Times called Erica Schimdt’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s MAC BETH “raucously exuberant” and critics throughout Seattle raved about Seattle Rep’s production in 2018 – a production whose cast was comprised completely of young women, a starkly original approach to the traditional Macbeth. Now, Schmidt has begun her journey to adapt another Shakespeare classic, and yet again, she will take a fully unique approach to telling the story. 

“This adaption of Hamlet is brand new and this Plays in Process installment will be the first time the cast will have delved into the material together,” Seattle Rep Artistic Director Braden Abraham explained. “Erica’s thorough investigation of the text has led her towards a tighter focus on the domestic relationships in the play and the bonds of family – particularly between Hamlet and Gertrude who are both considerably younger in this version than in most productions we get to see. This is an exciting opportunity to watch incredible actors work with Erica to investigate a great classic play.”

This Plays in Process installment will feature four incredible artists including director and adaptor Erica Schmidt alongside Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Taylor Schilling (Netflix Original Series “Orange is the New Black”) as Gertrude; 2020 BAFTA and Independent Spirit nominee Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Film: The Photograph; The High Note and the upcoming Netflix film Monster); and Sophie Kelly-Hendrick (Off-Broadway: MAC BETH) as Ophelia. Moderated by Seattle Rep Artistic Director Braden Abraham, these actors will be reading selections from the adaptation and working through different artistic choices being made to create an entirely innovative and original version of this classic Shakespeare play.

The Plays in Process four-part series pass is now available to purchase at the suggested price of $60. A single ticket to the Hamlet presentation is also available now for the suggested price of $20. Other individual event tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. Reservations are required for these events and pay-what-you-choose options are available. Purchase your pass today at SeattleRep.org.

ABOUT ERICA SCHMIDT (Director and Adaptor)
Directing credits include: Cyrano (a musical adaptation in collaboration with The National at The Goodspeed and The New Group); MAC BETH  (HTP, Red Bull at the Lortel, and Seattle Rep), Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Revival, Lortel nomination for Outstanding Revival, now published by DPS; Richard 2 with Robert Sean Leonard (The Old Globe); All the Fine Boys at The New Group (writer and director) now published by Samuel French; Turgenev’s A Month in the Country (Classic Stage Company); Dennis Kelly’s Taking Care Of Baby (Manhattan Theatre Club); Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s I Call My Brothers and the Obie Award-winning Invasion! (both for The Play Company); Humor Abuse (co-creator/writer and director), Lucille Lortel, Award (Manhattan Theatre Club, Philadelphia Theatre Company, American Conservatory Theatre, Seattle Rep, and The Taper); Rent (Tokyo); Moliere’s Imaginary Invalid, Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Sorcerer, and Copland’s The Tender Land (all at Bard SummerScape); Carnival (The Paper Mill Playhouse); Quincy Long’s People Be Heard (Playwrights Horizons); Gary Mitchell’s Trust  (The Play Company, Callaway Award nominee); As You Like It (The Public Theater/NYSF, chashama; New York International Fringe Festival Winner for Best Direction); Debbie Does Dallas (wrote the adaptation and directed Off-Broadway for The Araca Group now published by DPS); Spanish Girl (Second Stage). Princess Grace Award recipient 2001. Upcoming: Orpheus Descending at TFANA.

WHAT:HamletPart two of Seattle Rep’s Plays in Process series
An innovative adaptation of Shakespeare’s best-known play—widely regarded as the most influential literary work ever written—reimagined for modern audiences. Join Seattle Rep Artistic Director Braden Abraham as he leads an in-depth discussion with the artists, and experience first-hand exclusive excerpts from this highly-anticipated project, revealing how collaboration among a diverse group of theater artists uniquely expands the creative process.
WHEN:Thursday, April 17:30 p.m. PT
WHERE:seattlerep.org/hamlet
TICKETS:Suggested Single Ticket Price $20Suggested Price for Four-Part Series Pass $60