CHICAGO—Many have hailed Shakespeare’s (1564–1616) understanding of human nature as a big reason for his plays’ popularity more than 400 years after his death. But another important reason for his enduring appeal is his ability to tell a powerful tale. “Hamlet” is a prime example of the great English writer’s storytelling prowess, which stands out in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Short Shakespeare: Hamlet.”
The tragedy “Hamlet,” written between 1599 and 1601, was originally a four-hour production. Adapted from that lengthy work by Roger Warren, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s presentation has been trimmed to a fast 75 minutes. In doing so, the play has lost none of its fascinating plot, brilliant language, or psychological insights.
