Tragedy showcased in local parks with ‘Hamlet’ performances

Northeast Stage presents “Hamlet” this week as part of its annual summer outdoor Shakespeare series. Each year, the company stages productions of the Bard’s plays — and all audiences need to do is bring a chair.

The nonprofit organization encourages participation from both artists and audiences, spotlighting local actors, directors, producers and designers through workshops and performances that attract local audiences.

This summer’s cast is ready to showcase their talent and love of Shakespeare, despite an unexpected plot twist early in the season’s rehearsal process. The company was gearing up for their first rehearsal of “Othello” when, on June 1, the lead actor broke his shoulder and could no longer continue in the role. Within 12 hours, director A.D. Newcomer selected a new play, recast the existing cast and handed out new scripts. Ms. Newcomer trained with Shakespeare and Company in Massachusetts and is well-versed in classical theater. She said joining the local Northeast Stage brought her a sense of community, respect, collaboration and artistic discovery.

After switching to “Hamlet,” the cast quickly fell in love with it.

“People think it’s all a tragedy, but actually it’s hysterical – until it’s not,” said Ms Newcomer.

The director was impressed by how gracefully the actors took on their new roles, a feat made possible by the “stunning” wealth of talent in this year’s cast, she said, with actors who were also composers, writers, choreographers and scholars, all bringing different skills to the table. The props, original music, live guitar and dance make the production unique.

“It’s homemade and it’s beautiful,” said Mrs. Newcomer.

Some cast members are new to Shakespeare, and it can be challenging to get used to the audience-focused style of performance. A monologue, for example, in which a character recites a soliloquy, often requires the actor to be alone on stage, which can be daunting in front of a large audience.

“Shakespeare defies that rule,” Ms. Newcomer said of the so-called fourth wall. “If you don’t respect the connection with the audience, the play doesn’t make sense.”

Performing outdoors supports Northeast Stage’s brand of performance and audience connection. It also requires flexibility and trust among the actors. Not knowing exactly how many steps it will take to get to your first marker, the performers must be hyper-aware of their surroundings.

Revellers and screaming children are as much a part of the open-air Shakespeare experience as the mad Ophelia or the ghost of Hamlet’s father.

“Open-air theatre is a moving mirage,” says Ms. Newcomer.

“Hamlet” will be performed Wednesday, July 24, at Grangebel Park in Riverhead and Friday through Sunday, July 26-28, at Mitchell Park in Greenport. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Visit northeaststage.org for more information.