The state of the human mind will be played out on stage when the Hope College Great Performance Series presents the acclaimed New York-based Aquila Theatre Company in "Hamlet" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
"Hamlet" will be performed on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m., and "Jekyll and Hyde" on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Both shows will be at the Knickerbocker Theatre.
"The excellent Aquila Theatre Company," said "The New York Times," "an extraordinary, inventive and disciplined outfit."
The Aquila Theatre Company has gained an international reputation as one of the foremost producers of touring theatre. Since its inception in 1991, the company has won both critical and academic acclaim for its work worldwide.
Aquila presents high-quality and inventive productions of classical drama under the artistic leadership of founder Peter Meineck and associate director Robert Richmond. The company's approach to classical drama is to free the spirit of the original text and allow the widest possible audience to enjoy the plays as live, visceral and, above all, entertaining theatre.
"The New Yorker" has said that "Aquila's productions are beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect."
One of the most complete portrayals of the human psyche in Western literature, and often considered Shakespeare's finest work, "Hamlet" is a compelling tale of familial discord, personal ambition, love and revenge. Aquila's past productions of Shakespeare have continually received high praise.
"Aquila makes Shakespeare perfectly comprehensible..." said "The New York Times."
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is another classic work of the human mind, adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. One of the earliest works of modern horror fiction, "Jekyll and Hyde" draws on Aquila's tradition of adapting important classic stories for the stage, welcomed by superb reviews.
Tickets for the performance are $15 for regular adult admission, $12 for senior citizens, and $5 for children 18 and under. Tickets are available now and may be purchased by calling (616) 395-7890 or visiting the ticket office in the DeVos Fieldhouse on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.hope.edu/gps or the Aquila Theatre Company's website at www.aquilatheatre.com.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. 8th St. The DeVos Fieldhouse is located facing Fairbanks Avenue between 9th and 11th streets.