The highly anticipated world premiere adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ opens Wednesday at the Mark Taper Forum, featuring Patrick Ball in the titular role.
Ball, recently recognized for his performance as Dr. Frank Langdon in the hit Max series ‘The Pitt,’ brings his talents to a fresh reimagining of the classic play set against the backdrop of contemporary Hollywood.
This adaptation, helmed by director Robert O’Hara, brings a unique twist as it transforms the iconic narrative into a story of decaying glamour in Los Angeles.
In this modern rendition, Hamlet’s family is portrayed as part of a movie studio, positioning the Danish prince within the realm of Hollywood royalty.
Instead of the typical tragic hero, Hamlet’s sanity and motives become the focal point of scrutiny, particularly in a second act styled akin to a crime investigation, reminiscent of ‘CSI.’
This new perspective offers an engaging exploration of themes that resonate with modern audiences while still paying homage to Shakespeare’s original text.
The adaptation features a rich mixture of seasoned language and contemporary vernacular, ensuring that dialogue flows freely between the classical and the present day.
Ball reflects on his journey to reach this notable moment in his career, describing it as nothing short of a miracle.
Before gaining recognition on ‘The Pitt’—which debuted to a viewership exceeding 10 million per episode, making it one of Max’s most successful launches—Ball faced considerable challenges as a struggling actor.
He spent nearly a decade auditioning for various roles and traveling for regional theater, performing in works like ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ in cities across the United States.
Initially resigned to a life outside Hollywood fame, Ball’s perspective shifted dramatically with the success of ‘The Pitt.’
Hailing from North Carolina, his background is rooted in a family dedicated to service; his mother is an emergency room nurse and his father a paramedic.
Their approval of the storylines in ‘The Pitt’ highlights the significance of telling authentic narratives that reflect their realities, something Ball cherishes deeply.
Working with seasoned artists like O’Hara and co-star Gina Torres adds another layer of excitement to Ball’s experience in this production.
O’Hara, an accomplished playwright with a Tony nomination under his belt for directing the groundbreaking show ‘Slave Play,’ brings a fresh perspective to this adaptation.
His affinity for true-crime narratives and dramatic storytelling informs the mood of the play, particularly in the visually striking second act, which utilizes film-noir aesthetics to dissect the action following a climactic scene filled with intrigue.
The conversations surrounding the absurdities of murder in the play, such as the peculiar choice of poison, are highlighted by O’Hara in his humorous and candid manner.
Additionally, the original ghost from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ takes on a more ambiguous role in this adaptation, casting doubt on Hamlet’s perception of reality and his mental state.
This artistic choice amplifies the themes of privilege and delusion, showcasing how they intertwine in the glamorous yet haunting world of Hollywood.
O’Hara emphasizes that Shakespeare often neglects the narratives of ordinary people, and this adaptation shifts the focus towards the elite, reflecting an L.A. mindset where celebrity reigns.
With Ball’s portrayal framed as a modern celebrity, the production resonates with current societal reflections on fame and legacy, delivering an innovative take on the timeless tale.
Interestingly, O’Hara had not seen ‘The Pitt’ prior to casting Ball, instead drawn to the power of Ball’s self-taped audition.
O’Hara noted the necessity of confidence in an actor portraying such a complex character, particularly one as significant in theatrical history as Hamlet.
Gina Torres, known for her impactful roles in productions like ‘Suits,’ is also part of the cast, playing Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude.
O’Hara expressed his conviction in casting Torres without an audition, highlighting her past performances that shaped his decision.
However, Torres initially felt uncertain about taking on the role, humorously describing her concerns about her ‘peri-menopausal brain’ being capable of tackling such a demanding character.
Yet, after engaging with the script, she found herself captivated by the opportunity to portray Gertrude in a new light.
Torres, who has predominantly worked in television, returns to her theatrical roots with enthusiasm, sharing her long-held aspirations of becoming a Broadway star.
The dynamic between the anticipation of the curtain rising and the electric feeling of live performance is what Torres lives for as an actor.
Her words capture the thrill of the stage, where there is no room for safety nets, and where actors must navigate the unexpected in real time.
O’Hara believes in providing the cast with space to explore their interpretations of the roles instead of rigorous daily rehearsals, allowing for creativity and spontaneous breakthroughs.
His vision for the adaptation embraces the excitement and vibrancy of live theater, where every performance has the potential for varied experiences.
In this daring blend of classical storytelling and modern contexts, audiences can anticipate a ‘Hamlet’ that is both familiar and remarkably fresh, demonstrating the limitless nature of Shakespeare’s work in the current era.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-06-02/the-pitt-patrick-ball-hamlet-mark-taper-forum-robert-ohara-gina-torres
