Robert Lepage's innovative dance-theater adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' will make its U.S. debut at the Harris Theater in Chicago on November 23 and 24, 2024.

This adaptation, created in collaboration with choreographer Guillaume Côté, merges traditional theater with contemporary dance elements.

Côté not only stars as Hamlet but also serves as the choreographer, offering a unique movement-focused interpretation of the iconic character.

The cast features nine dancers from diverse backgrounds, including classical, contemporary, and street dance, to highlight the class differences present in Shakespeare's text.

Lepage aims to convey themes of hierarchy and character dynamics through the varied movement vocabularies of the dancers, enhancing the storytelling beyond spoken words.

The production also explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and personal inaction, providing fresh perspectives on the original text.

Although the development of the ballet was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this slower pace allowed for deeper character exploration and growth.

John Gzowski composed the score, which respects classical roots while incorporating contemporary elements and a minimalistic approach.

The choreography blends classical and contemporary styles, allowing the dancers to showcase their strengths and backgrounds.

Lepage expressed excitement about performing in Chicago, noting the city's vibrant arts scene as an ideal backdrop for this production.

Following its successful world premiere in Toronto and a performance at Le Festivalul Internațional Shakespeare in Romania, this adaptation has received positive feedback from audiences.

Lepage emphasizes a traditional approach to staging 'Hamlet,' relying on props and versatile stage elements rather than advanced technology.