What’s on this page? 
About HAMLET, PRINCE OF CUBA“The play’s the thing.” This rendition of Hamlet is unlike any you have seen before! Set amongst the ruling elite of 1898 Cuba, this production immerses you into a fresh portrayal of a son’s struggle for revenge and the consequences that threaten to destroy the lives of those he loves. Join us as we answer the question, “To be or not to be?”
Read a full summary of the plot and characters here.
Read the playbill for the original production in English by clicking here.
Lea el programa de la producción original en español haciendo clic aquí.
Watch this commercial for the production which gives insight into some of the most important moments of the show. It also will give you a taste of the Cuban concept and sets the mood for the production.
After watching the commercial, answer or discuss the Think About It questions below.
THINK ABOUT IT: Plot Highlights
Summarizing a production as complex and well known as Hamlet can be a daunting task. Teaching Artist Gaby Rodriguez leads us through the creation of her one-minute version of Hamlet.
Vocabulary to listen for: Adaptation and Concept.
Want to try it out? Use the video and THIS WORKSHEET as your guide!
Use esta hoja de trabajo en español.
Take it a Step Further: Film your work and send it to us at education@asolo.org.
Explore Shakespeares' most well-known soliloquy with Teaching Artist Alex Benito Rodriguiz.
Alex introduces the theatrical term of character intention and demonstrates the way that actors can shape and change how the audience understands the classical text.
After watching Alex, take a look at the clip of actor Frankie J. Alvarez performing this text in the original production.
Vocabulary to listen for: Character intention
On each page of this Digital Production Guide, you will find questions and prompts that are designed for reflection. You can reflect on your own or discuss with someone else who also watched the production.
Educators, you can find even more scene-specific discussion questions on the Educator Resource page.
THINK ABOUT IT: Before Watching the Production
What do you know about the story of Hamlet?
Why do you think Asolo Rep chose to set Hamlet in Cuba? What do you think translating Shakespeare into Spanish will do to this play? Do you think this will change the story? Why or why not?
Revenge is cyclical—as soon as one party is appeased, the other is incensed to action, bringing both back to where they started. Have you ever been caught in a cycle of revenge? Can you think of another example from a play, movie, or book where two sides are perpetually trying to get even with one another?
How are justice and vengeance different?
THINK ABOUT IT: After Watching the Production
What did you see? What did you hear? What did you feel?
Which character did you root for? Why?
Do you think Hamlet was truly insane?
If you have read the play, what scenes were cut or changed in this version? How did this impact your understanding of the play?
What design, directing or acting choices did you see that were reflections of Cuba?
How do you think watching this show online differed from seeing it in person?
