To watch Hamlet or not watch Hamlet—that is the question. Except it’s not, because the answer to seeing one of the most impressive plays written in English is always “yes.” 

With that in mind, summer Shakespearean festival Bard on the Beach has announced that the tragic Danish prince is coming to the main stage as part of its 35th anniversary lineup. 

One of the hardest parts of staging such a well-known tale is deciding what direction to take the production in: be it traditional, present-day, fantastical, or anything else. Director Stephen Drover says he is focusing on bringing modern sensibilities to the dark classic. 

“This adaptation aims to dive deep into the psychological landscape of Hamlet, to capture the character’s dreams, anxieties, and struggles with stark realism,” Drover says in a statement.  “The production retains the essence of the source plot while proposing to infuse it with contemporary relevance and emotional depth.” 

The set, from designer Pam Johnson, has been crafted to resemble a modern Danish library, while costumes from Barbara Clayden will no doubt bring minimal Scandi fashion. 

So, if your idea of a perfect summer night is a 17th-century Danish ghost story reflecting on the perils of human nature—see you on the beach!

Hamlet at Bard on the Beach

When: June 13 to September 20

Where: BMO Mainstage, Sen̓áḵw (Vanier Park)

Admission: From $30, available here