30TH ANNIVERSARY RE/VISION SPOTLIGHT:

Please, Continue (Hamlet)

As part of CHF’s 30th Anniversary we revisit an audience favorite format—the mock trial—in a new form, and invite you to consider: What is the power to judge another? And how objective is justice? Please, Continue (Hamlet), by Yan Duyvendak and Roger Bernat, isn’t a typical night at the theater.

Real-life Chicago judges, attorneys, and prosecutors join a trio of actors to conduct Hamlet’s trial for murder. Guided by evidence from a real criminal case but completely unscripted, each performance/trial unfolds uniquely, as a jury selected from that night’s audience hears the case presented and exercises the power to convict or acquit.

To help you get the most out of this unique experience, we’re answering some Frequently Asked Questions about the performance. And as a special bonus, we spoke with a theater expert and historian about how plays like Please, Continue (Hamlet) intersect with social justice, empathy, and the power to judge another person.

Question: Is this a play or a mock trial? What should I expect?

Answer: In a mock trial, lawyers are typically given a script. In Please, Continue (Hamlet), real lawyers are trying the case–unscripted–using the same evidence. In other words, the lawyers are simply doing their job on stage–it’s a chance to see top-notch legal professionals in action! You can expect a completely unique experience that allows us to see the inner-workings of the justice system, and helps us think about how we form judgements about one another.

Q: Which members of the judiciary are involved?

A: There’s a prosecutor, presiding judge, and defense attorney, all real-life practicing legal professionals–and this team changes every night. You might also see bailiffs and a medical examiner. While there's a new legal team every night, the actors portraying Hamlet (Edgar Miguel Sanchez), Gertrude (Lily Mojekwu), and Ophelia (Krystal Ortiz) remain the same for the four performances.

Q: What's the connection to Hamlet?

A: The playwrights based the play on evidence from a real murder case, and incorporated familiar Shakespearean characters. Hamlet creates a connection with many people immediately; he’s not an inherently controversial figure, or totally anonymous. He’s a well-known fictional character that helps us think about what it means to judge someone else, in a non-sensational way. This familiarity allows us as an audience to have some feeling for someone going into the trial.

Q: Is there an intermission? Is food and drink available?

A: You can easily get drinks and snacks at the MCA, and even bring a drink into the auditorium. Later on in the performance, there is a 30 minute intermission for the jury–and audience–to deliberate about Hamlet’s guilt or innocence. This work has been performed around the world, and no two trial’s proceedings and outcome are the same!

Q: Will I be called on to participate?

A: Every night the presiding judge will select audience members to serve on the jury. However, all audience members are invited to deliberate on the verdict based on the proceedings.

Header image photo credit: Paolo Medas