Hamlet

production
Inspired by the rapidly changing city and its growing-up residents, the story of Hamlet is relocated to the so-called Nieuw-West XL. A mini Dubai by the Sloterplas in Amsterdam, where the thrill of big money is tangible, status is measured in Instagram followers, construction pits get deeper, and penthouses rise higher. One day, Hamlet learns that his father has died — fallen into a construction pit, where a colossal hotel is set to be built. When Hamlet Jr. returns to his old neighborhood, he hardly recognizes it. Shoarma shops and coffeeshops have been replaced by fitness centers and coffee companies. Big money has arrived in Nieuw-West. “To have or not to have.” Those who can’t keep up simply vanish from the streetscape.

design
The performance takes place on location in the Aula of LELY, an artist space and an architectural icon in Amsterdam with 74 live-work spaces for artists and refugees with residency status. Soon, the building will have to make way for 189 apartments, far out of reach for its current residents. We’ve already started the renovation: the space is cordoned off, scaffolding is up, a porta-potty stands in place, and construction materials are scattered across the floor. On this construction site, the set, the play’s content, and the immediate future of the location are completely intertwined.