Arts & Entertainment

Hazards of performing ‘Hamlet’ outdoors

Maryland Renaissance Festival offers range of entertainment

Published

14 years ago

September 22, 2011

WBadmin

By CAROLYN SPEDDEN

Tackling what is arguably Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy would be a daunting task for any director and ensemble of actors. But performing “Hamlet” in an outdoor environment where a hurricane pelts rain on you during your first performance and horrific humidity follows for the next show, might send even the most devoted thespian scurrying back to the comfort of a castle in Denmark.

“Outdoor performance is really about survival as much as it is about being heard. After opening with a hurricane this year, that couldn’t be more apparent,” notes Graham Pilato, a Washington actor playing Horatio in the Festival’s production of “Hamlet.”

While the Renaissance Festival presents edited versions of classic plays each year, this 100-minute edition of Hamlet is the most ambitious so far — not least because the play is so famous.

Jack Powers, who plays Hamlet in the production, had to deal with that from the start. “You try to ignore the renown of the speeches and only try to pick up on the big thoughts in them, not the larger-than-life status of the speeches themselves.”

Director John Sadowsky also had the daunting task of editing Shakespeare’s longest play into two 50-minute acts. “I approached the job as telling the story in as simple, direct and entertaining a way as possible. First and foremost, I wanted to tell the basic story of Hamlet’s conflicts and revenge.”

And how does one approach one of the most iconic roles in theater? For Sadowsky, his view of the role changed at auditions. “I was going to go with the traditional 30-something, who just prefers to stay in and around his college until called back to Elsinore to assume the throne. But I saw something really special in Jack’s audition and decided to go with the 20-year-old Hamlet, a real college student who is genuinely pissed off at not succeeding his father and who could be goaded into action by the ghost of his father, real or imagined. He isn’t any more indecisive than any other 20-something and we can clearly see his vengeance plot take hold. I think our Hamlet is someone that young people in the audience can identify with, even those without uncles who killed their fathers and married their mothers. He has more fun in him and I hope people will see him sympathetically.”

The play is presented in two acts, beginning at 1 p.m. each day at the festival’s Globe Theatre. In addition of their roles in Hamlet, Pilato and Powers also do improvisational work in the pathways, directly connecting with the audience.

“For street work, it’s about gauging the audience to know what sort of bit to perform with them, to really make some quick judgments about what they might prefer to have me say or do, says Pilato. “I’m a huge fan of what we do. Being able to help provide that depth and wonder to audiences makes me really happy. It’s also lovely to have an opportunity to work and play with some really awesome talents — I’ve learned a lot about clowning, classical theater, voice and movement and improvisation in the company of these great folks.”

Director Sadowsky, who also performs at the Festival, agrees. “Audience interaction, the improvisation and sustaining a character for very long periods of time have tremendously helped my acting in more traditional theaters the rest of the year. I can easily handle anything that could go awry in live theater because of my experience in the Renaissance Festival.”

Absolutely. Because after performing in a hurricane, a drafty theater is a piece of cake.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival runs weekends until Oct. 23. For more information visit marylandrenaissancefestival.com.

Related Topics:Hamlet Maryland Renaissance Festival

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

24 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.