'Hamlet' at Scranton Cultural Center

SCRANTON — The New Vintage Ensemble will present William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in partnership with the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.

Performances will be held in Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center according to the following schedule:

Friday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.,

Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. at 8 p.m. Hamlet is perhaps Shakespeare’s most well-known and recognizable work. The story follows the title character, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, as he seeks revenge for his father’s murder. Conor O’Brien, co-founder and executive Director of the Scranton Fringe Festival, will step into the title role.

“Hamlet is intelligent and intense, but can be self-indulgent as well,” said O’Brien. "I find him to embody a lot of the stereotypical characteristics of my own generation — myself not excluded from that judgement. “I can be self-absorbed, resulting in paranoia about how I am being perceived by others. Hamlet of course has valid reasons to be concerned, but in some ways he creates even more toxic situations to deal with than what was needed.”

"Hamlet" explores the darkness within ourselves and the depths we will go to in grief.

“It's been a truly collaborative experience from conception to execution,” said Casey Thomas, director. “Since Shakespeare is so frightening to both performers and theatergoers alike, it was always our intent to shatter those perceptions.”

The text has been shortened and softened. Dramatic styling in terms of both light and costume have been explored. Additionally, audience members can expect musically underscored scenes, play with color and texture, and a minimalist set that keeps the focus on the actors. The look and feel can be described as “Alexander McQueen/Birds of Prey.”

“I aim to use cinematic elements to help reinvent the theater experience so that the audience is immersed in a visual and sensory environment that grabs them from the beginning and doesn't let go till the credits roll,” said Thomas. “I think that crossing these two different worlds will really surprise a whole new group of patrons.”

The Scranton Cultural Center is located at 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Tickets are $15and available at ticketmaster.com or by calling the box office at 570-344-1111.