Hamlet's Sanity Judged by Supreme Court Justice, 3/15

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Shakespeare Theatre Company present one performance of The Supreme Court Hears the Trial of Hamlet on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 7:30pm in the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater. 

"Down through the centuries, scholars and readers of Shakespeare have debated whether Hamlet is sane.  This question will be the subject of testimony presented by two eminent psychiatrists in the trial that will determine whether Hamlet should stand trial for the murder of Polonius or be excused for his mental condition.  Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy will preside over the proceeding," state press materials.
 
"The Trial of Hamlet is an audience-participatory performance that uses the American legal system to explore Shakespeare's greatest play.  Four prominent attorneys from around the country, two for the prosecution and two for the defense, will present the issue to a jury of 12.  The experts will be examined and cross-examined regarding Hamlet's mental state at the time he killed Polonius.  While the jury is deliberating as to the verdict, the audience will vote.  Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask the experts and the attorneys about their trial strategy.  Hamlet is expected to invoke his privilege not to testify."
 
Court TV anchor and former Texas state judge Catherine Crier, and Abbe D. Lowell of Chadbourne and Parke LLP will present arguments defending Hamlet.  Attorneys Cristina Arguedas of Arguedas, Cassman and Headley, LLP, and Miles Ehrlich of Ramsey and Ehrlich LLP will serve as the prosecution.  Expert witnesses will be Dr. Alan A. Stone of Harvard Law School and Jeffrey Lieberman, M.D., of NYS Psychiatric Institute.  Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn will serve as the host for evening.

The event will be offered as part of the Shakespeare in Washington festival.
 
Tickets for The Trial of Hamlet cost $35 and are available for purchase at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600.  Tickets may also be purchased at the Shakespeare Theatre Company box office or by calling (202) 547-1122.  Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324 or (877) 487-8849.