Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is starting off the new year strong with the World Premiere of A Room In The Castle by Lauren M. Gunderson. Originally commissioned by CSC and co-produced with Washington D.C.’s Folger Theatre, Room is a story based on the women of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This production, directed by Kaja Dunn, serves as the third part of CSC’s season-long PROJECT Hamlet.
The Designers
This play includes both familiar and visiting artists. Director Ms. Dunn excels at using every bit of space The Otto M. Budig Theater has to offer. Action feels central and cozy when it needs to be and appropriately large as things take a dark turn.
Per usual, Scenic Design by Samantha Reno is unparalleled. While the primary action takes place on the “main” part of the stage (aka Ophelia’s room–yes, that one in the castle), there is a multi-level set with Queen Gertrude’s chambers being the highest of playing fields. The colours used for each level are perfect in their ability to encompass the mood each bit of scenery has to offer.
The set is further complemented by Costume Designer Nicky Smith. We know the exact status of each of these three females without them having to utter a word simply from the style of their apparel. Full disclosure: I’d like to be buried in Gertrude’s final costume.
Special shout-outs to Lighting Design by Max Doolittle, Sound Design by Sarah O’Halloran, Projections Design by Robert Carlton Stimmel assisted by Rainy Edwards; the stage pictures would be incomplete without their skill sets.
The Cast of A Room In The Castle presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.
Casting in A Room in the Castle
Casting Director Daryl Eisenberg deserves to be paid her weight in gold for the incredible job in choosing this intimate cast of three. Each character has a deep duality and these performers do not miss the mark on baring their souls. Further, the trio’s chemistry is natural and endearing.
The Performing Artists
Opening the show with beautiful vocals and a sweet innocence few adult actors would be able to capture is Sabrina Lynne Sawyer as Ophelia. Ms. Sawyer has an infectious energy and is an absolute delight to watch. This script gives us a chance to hear from the woman behind the “madness” and it would be a difficult task not to hang on Ms. Sawyer’s every word.
Playing the character whom many could consider the true queen in this trio is Burgess Byrd as Anna. Ms. Byrd gives Anna an ideal mix of a woman who knows how to mother along with a human with whom one should not trifle. She commands the stage with humour and heart as only she can do–but, as always, is happy to step back when the focus should be on others as the true professional she is. Brava, Ms. Byrd!
Finally, let us talk about Oneika Phillips as Getrude. The depth of this character is immaculately portrayed by Ms. Phillips as she gives us a peek at the woman behind the crown. Even in times of high emotion, Ms. Phillips’ steps are never unbecoming of a queen; her embodiment of Gertrude is exceptional (no doubt thanks to her dance training the discipline it breeds). Yet with that commitment, we still see the softer sides of the Queen of Denmark. In reading about Ms. Phillips, this is her first straight play – and what an excellent first she gives us!
Oneika Phillips as Getrude in A Room In The Castle presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.
The Sweet and Lowdown
Full disclosure: I am not always a Lauren M. Gunderson fan. As a woman, I can particularly appreciate her desire to amplify women’s voices. Sometimes I find her approach a bit preachy and redundant. However, this reviewer is happy to share that this play has found an ideal “sweet spot” of giving women their due time to speak through a smart and creative perspective of an age-old text without besmirching its integrity. Inside sources report that she was an attentive and generous writer throughout this commission process which are wonderful qualities to be paired with unarguable writing talent.
Further, it is not simply women’s voices which need to be louder. Women of color have particularly been silenced more often than not. A Room In The Castle gives them the power they should always be able to access and it is worth our time and attention.
Tickets to A Room in the Castle
A Room In The Castle presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company runs now through February 9th before heading to D.C. in March. For more information about the show and/or to purchase tickets, please contact the Box Office online or by phoning (513) 381-2273.
