Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and a sharp, darkly funny “Hamlet” will bring it into focus on the big screen at the Newport Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Presented by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, the National Theatre Live screening stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera, known for his performance in “Life of Pi,” as Shakespeare’s troubled prince.
Filmed live in London, the contemporary production follows a young Hamlet trapped between duty and doubt in a world of power and privilege. Robert Hastie, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre, directs. His credits include “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” and “Operation Mincemeat.”
The screening will be shown in Ultra HD in the Alice Silverman Theatre, with its Meyer Constellation sound system. Closed captioning is available.
The production runs three hours, including a 15-minute intermission. It includes themes of grief, death, suicide and coercive behavior, along with intense violence, depictions of madness and strong language.
Wednesday’s screening begins at 7 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. Tickets are $14 to $22. For more information or tickets, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.