HAMLET to Transform World Financial Center Into Elsinore, 4/1-4/18

The bustling World Financial Center will be transformed into Elsinore Castle next month when it hosts a free production of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare that will inhabit the sprawling venue as its set.

From April 1-18, New York Classical Theatre will perform William Shakespeare's tragedy in their signature panoramic staging style, with the audience being drawn into Hamlet's world as they follow the actors down staircases and around mezzanines throughout the entire World Financial Center complex. Viewers are invited to bring cushions to sit on as they watch the moody Dane brood against the luxurious marble backdrop of a modern-day castle built to celebrate the power and magnificence of New York's financial community.

The free production is co-presented by Arts World Financial Center as part of a unique residency that will include open rehearsals throughout the venue during the month of March, with the company working among and around the thousands of people who work in and visit the World Financial Center each day.

Arts World Financial Center is the East Coast's largest presenter of free visual and performing arts.

Described as "a moveable feast" by the New York Times, the eleven-year-old New York Classical Theatre has won acclaim for its roving productions of classical plays in Central Park and Battery Park. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark marks both the company's first indoor venture as well as the first extended-run theatrical production for Arts World Financial Center.

The play will be directed by New York Classical Theatre's founder and artistic director Stephen Burdman, who has received numerous accolades and awards for his staging of classical plays in non-traditional settings both in New York and Los Angeles. Hamlet will be played by Justin Blanchard, who was part of the ensemble cast of the 2007 Tony Award-winning revival of Journey's End. The production designer is Amelia Dombrowski.

The rest of the cast includes Ginny Myers Lee (Ophelia), John Michalski (Claudius), Rita Rehn (Gertrude), Ian Stuart (Polonius), Shad Ramsey (Laertes and fight choreographer), John-Patrick Driscoll (Horatio), Alexis Camins (Rosencrantz), Scott Kerns (Guildenstern), Anthony Reimer, Nick Salamone, and Clay Storseth.

"This residency is a perfect marriage of two New York institutions that have long been committed to bringing free, high-quality arts to audiences of all stripes," said Debra Simon, Artistic Director of Arts World Financial Center. "It's also a major milestone in our ongoing mission to deepen the relationship between our community and some of the most exciting arts organizations in the city."

As part of the residency, New York Classical Theatre will transform an un-rented storefront at One New York Plaza into its production studio, where it will prepare costumes and props for its entire 2010 season. A series of public talks with the director and designers will provide the community with an inside peek behind the scenes of a large-scale theatrical production.

About Arts World Financial Center
Now in its 22nd season, Arts World Financial Center <www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com> is the East Coast's largest presenter of free, year-round performing and visual arts. Other season highlights include Sounds from the Black Box, featuring animations by South African artist William Kentridge paired with new scores by South African composer Philip Miller, and Weather Beacon, artist Eric Guzman's kinetic sculpture that merges public wi-fi, movement and light into a flashing weather forecast.

What: William Shakespeare's "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," presented by New York Classical Theatre and Arts World Financial Center in a sprawling production staged throughout the 3.5-acre World Financial Center. Bring cushions!
When: Performances: April 1-3, April 6-11, April 13-18
Time: 7 pm-9 pm
Phone: 212.945.0505
Web: www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com
Where: World Financial Center, 220 Vesey Street; Audience convenes at Starbucks in the World Financial Center Courtyard
Cost: FREE - No tickets or reservations required

Photo courtesy of World Financial website.

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