A ghostly presence, a trail of blood, and a prince on a mission. Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedies, gets a gripping noir update this summer at the Mark Taper Forum, courtesy of director Robert O’Hara. Presented by Center Theatre Group, this modern adaptation runs from May 28 to July 6, 2025, with a press opening on June 4.
The highly anticipated production headlines CTG’s One CTG. One LA. season and promises a bold, psychological twist on the classic tale of vengeance and madness.
By William Shakespeare
New Adaptation from Director Robert OHara
Star-Studded Cast and Visionary Direction
Led by Patrick Ball (The Pitt, Max) in the title role, the ensemble features powerhouse performances from Gina Torres (Suits, 911 Lonestar) as Gertrude, Ariel Shafir (Only Murders in the Building) as Claudius, and Coral Peña (For All Mankind) as Ophelia. The cast also includes:
- James T. Alfred as Head Attendant
- Joe Chrest (Stranger Things) as Detective Fortinbras
- Fidel Gomez as the Gravedigger
- Ty Molbak (Babylon) as Laertes and Rosencrantz
- Ramiz Monsef as Polonius
- Jakeem Powell (Rustin) as Horatio
- Jaime Lincoln Smith as First Player, Attendant
- Daniel Zuhlke (Lucifer) as Guildenstern
O’Hara, a Tony-nominated director known for Slave Play and Bootycandy, returns to CTG with what Artistic Director Snehal Desai calls “a Hamlet like nothing you’ve ever experienced.” Drawing on the cinematic styles of Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch, this adaptation merges classic Shakespeare with moody noir, forensic mystery, and surreal visuals.
A Gothic, Thrilling Take on the Tragic Prince
The production poses a provocative question: Is Hamlet a tormented hero or a privileged killer? O’Hara’s take plunges audiences into a dreamlike investigation of murder, madness, and manipulation.
“There will be blood,” O’Hara said. “This is a lean, brisk, and intense Shakespearean noir inspired by Hitchcock, Lynch, Dali, and Perry Mason.”
This marks the first time in 50 years that Hamlet has been staged at the Taper. “It’s thrilling to return to this monumental work with such an electric team,” added Desai.
Creative Team and Production Details
Joining O’Hara are:
- Nicholas Polonio (Dramaturg and Associate Director)
- Clint Ramos (Set Design)
- Dede Ayite (Costume Design)
- Lap Chi Chu (Lighting Design)
- Yee Eun Nam (Projections)
- Lindsay Jones (Sound and Original Music)
- J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup)
The production is supported by the S. Mark Taper Foundation and the Perenchio Foundation, with Bank of America as the 2024/25 season sponsor and American Express as the official payment partner.
Schedule, Tickets, and Access
Venue: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dates: May 28–July 6, 2025
Press Opening: Wednesday, June 4
Performance Times:
- Tuesday–Friday at 8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40.25
- Website: CenterTheatreGroup.org
- Phone: 213.628.2772
- In person: CTG Box Office, The Music Center
- Groups: Group Ticket Info
- Accessibility: Access Services
About Center Theatre Group
Founded in 1967, Center Theatre Group is a leading non-profit theatre company dedicated to producing ambitious works and providing community engagement. It operates the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre, and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles. Notable past productions include Zoot Suit, Angels in America, and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.
For more information, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org
