In a discussion with university professor Francesca Rayner, featured in the reading manual of the play, Nuno Cardoso expressed that this was his “last chance” to stage “Hamlet” in this context. He indicated it would be a “transition piece that could mean a farewell or a beginning,” depending on the outcome of the international selection process for the artistic director of the Teatro Nacional São João (TNSJ), a position he applied for, which eventually went to director Tiago Guedes (who later withdrew his application).
“If my situation were less finite, perhaps I would not have reached ‘Hamlet’ yet. But there was a very practical consideration: when I defined what the TNSJ program would be for the 2024-25 season, I knew I was subject to a selection process and might not remain. Therefore, it was the last opportunity to work on this text in this theater, which is and will always be my home, and to work on it with these actors. That ‘Sword of Damocles’, if you will, led me to this choice […]. The choice of ‘Hamlet’ is, therefore, a transitional piece that could mean a farewell or a beginning. It’s a farewell, in this case,” stated Nuno Cardoso in the conversation.
The actor and director mentioned, according to the same transcript, that he has no qualms in stating that “what happens in the play is childish,” and no word, “however beautiful it may be,” conceals the childishness of this plot.
The TNSJ describes “Hamlet” as the work that has generated the most literature “after the Bible,” possibly being Shakespeare’s most famous title, portrayed by some of the greatest figures in both national and international theater and cinema.
According to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the summary of “Hamlet” is as follows, with several ‘spoilers’: “The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his death by killing the new King, Hamlet’s uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet. The play concludes with a duel, in which the King, Queen, Hamlet’s opponent, and Hamlet all perish.”
The cast of the new “Hamlet” production by the TNSJ includes Alberto Magassela, Joana Carvalho, João Cravo Cardoso, Jorge Mota, Lisa Reis, Mário Santos, Patrícia Queirós, Paulo Freixinho, Pedro Almendra, Pedro Frias, and Sandro Feliciano.
The scenery is designed by F. Ribeiro, while lighting design is handled by Cárin Geada. Sound design and engineering are by Joel Azevedo, with music composed by Peixe and costumes by Nélson Vieira.
The video is crafted by Luís Porto and movement by Roldy Harris, with directing assistance by Manuel Tur.
The play, using a translation by António M. Feijó, is intended for audiences aged 14 and above and will remain on stage until April 27. The premiere, scheduled for Thursday, is already sold out.
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