Hamnet

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) is presenting the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “sweeping and sentimental” (The Guardian) stage adaptation Hamnet. It is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel, adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi) and directed by Erica Whyman.

The theater advertisement introduces Hamnet as a play that “pulls back a curtain on the story of the greatest writer in the English language and the woman who was the constant presence and purpose of his life. Hamnet is a love letter to passion, birth, grief, and the magic of nature.” Hamnet Shakespeare was the only son of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway. He was born in 1585 alongside his twin sister, Judith. He died at the age of eleven. The story draws a parallel between Hamnet’s death, and the creation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  

That is what I knew when I went to the theater. I have not read the book or seen the movie. Both of which I will do now. So, I was not quite sure what to expect. What I found was a wonderfully moving play, with great acting, and really interesting staging. It begins with a young rambunctious Will, meeting Agnes, and the unhappiness of both their families with the coupling. But then Will gets Agnes pregnant, and they agree to marry. The play moves from there through the birth of their three children and the eventual death of Hamnet. All the while Will is away and busy writing, and producing his plays, while Agnes is home caring for the family.

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While I found the first act a little slow, it was still very engrossing. The second act easily made up for that. Kemi-Bo Jacobs as Agnes, is wonderful to watch. Her acting range is incredible. From birthing her children, to her joy in them, to her grief at Hamnet’s death, she commands the stage. Rory Alexander as Will Shakespeare, is also great. He brings to life the man who was to write so much that has kept us enthralled over the years. Ajani Cabey as Hamnet is also a joy to watch on stage. He exhibits equally joy for life, and then empathy for his twin sister, and even when he is dying, you feel his pain. Every one of the many actors in this production is superb, and perfect in their roles. Kudos to the creative team including Set and Costume designer, Tom Piper; Lighting Designer, Prema Mehta; and Sound Designer, Simon Baker. 

I must say it always amazes me the Shakespeare Theatre Company found an Artistic Director of such talent, to follow the iconic Michael Kahn. But they did when at the beginning of the pandemic, they were lucky enough to attract the incredible Simon Godwin. He is bringing so much new and exciting, like this production, to theater audiences in Washington DC. Some productions he directs himself, other programs like Hamnet, he brings here through his contacts, and strong reputation, in the theater around the world. 

Hamnet will be at Harman Hall through April 12^th. Tickets are available online and I urge you to see this show.