ARTFARM's Hamlet opens Wednesday!

ARTFARM presents a fast-paced 2 hour version of Hamlet for the 12th season of Shakespeare in the Grove. Bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of humanity’s greatest stories outdoors overlooking the River Valley.

Hamlet is a story for all times and all ages, and ARTFARM’s concise 2 hour version brings it to life for contemporary audiences. This Hamlet is not a procrastinator; he is an activist trying to make difficult choices and take effective action when faced with an unjust and illegitimate King. At the start of the play Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost, who informs his son that he was murdered by his own brother, who has now married the father’s wife (Hamlet’s mother) and taken over his throne. The ghost demands that Hamlet take revenge against his murderous Uncle, and thus one of the great tragedies of the western canon is set into action.  ARTFARM’s signature physical style, fluid mastery of Shakespeare’s text, clear, concise storytelling, and a fabulous sword fight finale make this a production that will thrill everyone from Shakespeare scholars to third graders.

All performances start at 8 pm, but the Grove features open lawn seating, so patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Grove overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the ARTFARM website or at the door, and the ten show run features several special events, including:

Wednesday, July 12 is a Pay-What-You-Can Preview!

Friday, July 14 is the First Friday Festival, featuring live music by jazz pianist Noah Baerman and American Roots artist Rani Arbo preceding the performance at 7 pm.

Sunday, July 16 is Family Day, featuring fun family activities starting at 6:45. Kids 12 and under get in for  $5!

Friday, July 21 is Hamlet 20/20. Patrons ages 20 – 29 can see the show for $20 and attend a special pre-show reception.

Saturday, July 22 there will be a post-show Talk-back with the cast and director.

Hamlet runs July 12 – 16 & 19 -23 in the Cedar Grove on the Campus of Middlesex Community College. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. In the case of rain the performance will go on indoors in Chapman Hall on the MxCC campus.

For more details about the production, contact info@art-farm.org, or click HERE.

Shakespeare in the Grove is co-sponsored by Middlesex Community College. Additional support is provided by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Pratt and Whitney, the Community health Center and many generous supporters.