This September, Dublin audiences will witness a powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s most famous play, Hamlet, as performed by a remarkable ensemble from Peru. Teatro La Plaza, one of Latin America’s most innovative theatre companies, brings its acclaimed production to the O’Reilly Theatre from 25–27 September for the Dublin Theatre Festival 2025.

A Hamlet Like No Other

Instead of focusing solely on the troubled Danish prince, director and writer Chela De Ferrari reframes the play around a different, and deeply resonant, question: What does it mean to be, for people who are so often excluded from being seen?

On stage, a group of talented actors with Down syndrome weave together Shakespeare’s words with their own stories, blending classic text with lived experience. Their voices, so often pushed to the margins, take centre stage in a production that balances humour, tenderness, and searing honesty.

Performed in Spanish with English surtitles, the play runs 1 hour 35 minutes (no interval) and is suitable for audiences aged 12 and above. Expect bold theatre: strobe lights, loud music, moments of intimacy, audience interaction, and above all, authenticity.

Critical Acclaim

Since its premiere, the production has captivated critics worldwide:

• ★★★★★ The Stage called it “a joyous affair.”
• ★★★★ The Guardian praised its “charm, humour and imagination,” noting the “fiery energy” of the ensemble.
• The Herald hailed it as “audacious… an exhilarating piece of serious fun.”
• Chicago Reader described it as a play that “reveals the power of choosing to be yourself.”

A Radical Act of Inclusion

For De Ferrari, this production is more than reinterpretation, it’s resistance.

“The stage, like the world, should not be reserved for a few but must reflect the full spectrum of who we are,” she explains.

In an age when voices deemed “different” are still silenced, whether due to disability, race, migration status, or gender identity, this Hamlet demands to be seen and heard. It redefines community, belonging, and the essence of existence.

Cast & Creative Team

Featuring performances by Octavio Bernaza, Jaime Cruz, Lucas Demarchi, Manuel García, Diana Gutierrez, Cristina León Barandiarán, Ximena Rodríguez, and Álvaro Toledo, the production is supported by a world-class creative team including choreographer Mirella Carbone and lighting designer Jesús Reyes.

Event Details

📅 25–27 September, 7:30pm
📍 O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin
🎟️ €30–€40
⏱️ Duration: 1h 35m, no interval
🌍 Country: Peru

This production of Hamlet is not just theatre, it’s an invitation to rethink who gets to stand in the spotlight. Expect to leave the theatre moved, challenged, and inspired.

Tickets available here