Partner Event: Transforming Hamlet: from Bard to BBQ

This month, two iconic cultural institutions present distinct takes on one of theatre’s most famous tragedies. The Metropolitan Opera’s Hamlet by Brett Dean and The Public Theatre and National Black Theatre's Fat Ham by James Ijames each use Shakespeare’s drama in vastly different ways, creating an exciting, real-time dialogue about response, adaptation and inspiration. Debra Ann Byrd (Artistic Director, Southwest Shakespeare Company) speaks with creators James Ijames (Fat Ham, playwright) and Matthew Jocelyn (Hamlet, librettist) as well as directors Saheem Ali (Fat Ham) and Neil Armfield (Hamlet) about revisiting and revamping a classic for new audiences. Featuring the talents of tenor Allan Clayton (title role of Hamlet) and pianist Bryan Wagorn.  

A collaboration between Met Opera, The Public Theater, and National Black Theatre, in association with Peoplmovr. Co-presented with the Museum of the City of New York.

Event Timeline:
6:00 pm - Doors open
6:30 pm - Introduction by Debra Ann Byrd
6:45 pm - Event Begins
7:45 pm - Audience Q&A 
8:00 pm - Event concludes