Hamlet, Teatro La Plaza at The Barbican review

Peruvian theatre company Teatro La Plaza’s vibrant performance of Hamlet brings more life and energy than Shakespeare could ever have imagined to one of his most renowned tragedies. Performed by an extraordinary cast of actors with Down’s syndrome, Chela De Ferrari’s ambitious production dismantles the original text, using its scenes and characters as a springboard for the actors to explore their own experiences of identity, ambition, love and belonging.

Performed in Spanish with English surtitles, De Ferrari’s reconstruction is built around a central comparison between the ousted Prince Hamlet and the experience of living with Down’s syndrome. A crown is passed between the cast as they play Hamlet in turn, each getting to experience one of theatre’s most iconic roles, whilst imbuing the character with their own unique perspectives.

Image credit Teatro la Plaza.

Whilst this is a wildly different interpretation of a classic text, it works. De Ferrari plays with Shakespeare’s original language: King Claudius, looking to take the crown from his nephew tells the court that Hamlet’s ‘terrible condition’ prevents him inheriting the throne, whilst Polonius’ control and manipulation of his ‘special’ daughter Ophelia (Ximena Rodríguez) takes on a new meaning when the actress talks about people’s preconceptions of her appearance and abilities.

We are expertly guided by narrator Cristina León Barandiarán, as snippets of Shakespeare are interwoven with moving personal reflections from the actors on their lived experiences, their dreams, and the challenges of finding a place in a society that so often excludes them. Teatro de La Plaza has given these actors exactly that space – it is a production bursting with life, that allows the cast to discover what theatre and acting means to them.

Image credit Teatro la Plaza.

This metatheatrical element is explored with a subversive humour that exposes the lack of diversity in mainstream theatre. A particularly clever scene sees actor Jaime Cruz battling with imposter syndrome as he tries to mimic Laurence Olivier’s renowned performance of Hamlet’s ‘to be or not to be’ soliloquy. What follows is a heartwarming lesson from his fellow actors on the importance of being yourself rather than copying those around you – which ends with a feet-stomping rap version of the same speech, led with high-octane energy by Álvaro Toledo.

Teatro de la Plaza’s Hamlet is not one for Shakespeare purists. However, it is a brave and thought provoking production with an infectious energy – a testimony to its talented cast.

Teatro La Plaza's production of Hamlet was on at the Barbican Centre from April 24th to 27th, 2025. You can also see it at the Brighton Festival from May 9th to 11th. Find out more and buy tickets here.

Review by Ellen Hodgetts