The Teatro La Plaza will make its Penn State debut at Eisenhower Auditorium on Tuesday, October 13, with an inclusive production of “Hamlet.”

This adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic will star actors with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities.

The cast will share their desires and frustrations through the portrayal of the characters. Throughout the play, they try to find the meaning of “to be” for those who are often disregarded.

In the performance, directed by Chela de Ferrair, the actors will alternate reciting scenes and passages from the playwright’s original text to deliver an honest portrayal of humanity.

Based in Peru, Teatro La Plaza is a theater and creative space that explores new and classic plays. Since 2019, the company has performed “Hamlet” in over 20 countries.

“Hamlet” is one of the featured programs in a year-long series created by the Performing Arts and Disability Collaborative. This new initiative is made possible in part by a Penn State Humanities Institute Colloquia grant.

To ensure the performance is accessible to the entire community, the program will be presented in Spanish with English captions. They will also offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and assisted listening services.

The show is set for 7 p.m. and will run for 95 minutes without an intermission. The tickets cost $39 for adults, $14 for Penn State students, and $19 for ages 18 and younger.

Folks can buy tickets on Ticketmaster or in person at the Arts Ticket Center.

For more information, visit the Performing Arts and Disability Collaborative website.

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