Synetic Theater's Captivating Hamlet: A Wordless Masterpiece

Synetic Theater, the internationally renowned company known for its innovative physical storytelling, has once again captivated audiences with its latest production of "Hamlet...the rest is silence." After a successful run in their Crystal City venue, the company has now brought their signature style to the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, kicking off their new season titled "Exiles."

Immerse Yourself in the Enigmatic Magic of Synetic's Art

Hamlet Reimagined: A Feast for the Senses

Synetic Theater's production of "Hamlet...the rest is silence" is a far cry from a traditional Shakespearean adaptation. Eschewing the verbal jousting and the genius of the Bard's language, the company has crafted a completely different art form, one that relies on the power of physical storytelling and the emotive prowess of its ensemble. Resident Composer Koki Lortkipanidze's haunting score, with its ominous violins, sensual tangos, and deep, chanting monks, sets the tone for a production that is as much a feast for the senses as it is a tragic tale.Director Paata Tsikurishvili and his talented cast have brought to life a "wordless Shakespeare" that is brimming with raw emotion. From the opening scene of the company dancing in black, to the powerful performances of Vato Tsikurishvili as Hamlet and Maryam Najafzada as Ophelia, the production captivates the audience with its sheer intensity. Tsikurishvili's Hamlet is a far cry from the refined intellectual, instead embodying a powerfully physical presence capable of rage, devotion, and utter despair.

Exploring the Contradictions of Hamlet's Nature

Nineteenth-century critic William Hazlitt's description of Hamlet as "the most amiable of misanthropes" is perfectly encapsulated in Tsikurishvili's portrayal. The actor navigates the many contradictions of Hamlet's nature, seamlessly transitioning from moments of tenderness to outbursts of anger. His connection with the audience, forged through the absence of soliloquies, allows us to empathize with this Hamlet, even if we don't fully understand him.Ophelia's character, played with a curious lightness of spirit by Maryam Najafzada, provides a poignant counterpoint to Hamlet's brooding intensity. Her struggle to comfort the troubled prince, and her tragic fate, are rendered with heartbreaking beauty. The ensemble, with its exceptional versatility, further enhances the production's emotional impact, moving sinuously on the floor as the brook that beckons Ophelia to her watery demise.

Synetic's Signature Storytelling: A Feast for the Senses

Irina Tsikurishvili's vibrant and dramatic choreography, combined with Georgi Alexi Meskhishvili's minimalist yet evocative costume and set design, create a visual and kinetic experience that transports the audience to the heart of Hamlet's world. Lighting Designer Brian S. Allard's work in the unfamiliar venue further enhances the production's atmospheric qualities, casting shadows and highlighting the performers' movements with a sense of ethereal beauty.Synetic Theater's "Hamlet...the rest is silence" is a testament to the company's mastery of physical storytelling. By stripping away the verbal elements of Shakespeare's classic, they have crafted a production that speaks directly to the emotions, inviting the audience to see the universe that lies beneath the words. This is a Hamlet that will leave you spellbound, captivated by the enigmatic magic of Synetic's art.