National Theatre Live in HD presents William Shakespeare's Hamlet | Press Releases

Starring Rory Kinnear
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013
2 p.m. (encore), and 7 p.m. (encore)
Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts

Image: Hamlet Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts presents National Theatre Live's encore presentations in High Definition of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," starring Rory Kinnear as Hamlet. Broadcasts take place at 2 p.m. (encore), and 7 p.m. (encore), on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors, $15 students/children.

These encore presentations of " Hamlet ," originally broadcast in 2010, return to cinemas as part of the National Theatre's 50th anniversary in celebration of a very significant date. On October 22, 1963, the National Theatre opened its doors at its original home in the Old Vic, close to its current South Bank premises, with a production of "Hamlet" directed by Laurence Olivier and featuring Peter O'Toole in the title role. This production stars Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear as Hamlet in Shakespeare's complex and profound play about the human condition. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Kinnear is joined by Clare Higgins as Gertrude, Patrick Malahide as Claudius, David Calder as Polonius, James Laurenson as the Ghost/Player King, and Ruth Negga as Ophelia.

Following his celebrated performances at the National Theatre, most recently as Iago in last month's production of "Othello," also directed by Hytner, Kinnear is a highly accomplished Shakespearean actor, and star of stage, screen, and television. His interpretation of Hamlet is dynamic and contemporary, and this critically acclaimed production received 5 stars from The Times , which called it "Tremendous. Rory Kinnear's performance is superb in its resonance and intelligence. This is a Hamlet for now." The Guardian agreed: "Rory Kinnear excels. An evening to admire and cherish." The Independent called it a "chilling production that demands to be seen." And the Daily Telegraph said: "A constantly compelling, fresh-minted production with many insights and original twists ... Rory Kinnear proves a Hamlet of great individuality and distinction."

National Theatre Live is the National Theatre's groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage in High Definition to cinemas across the globe. National Theatre Live, launched in June 2009, currently reaches an audience of over 1.5 million people in 500 venues around the world. Each live broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, with cameras carefully positioned throughout the auditorium, giving cinema audiences the 'best seat in the house' view of each production. This year's schedule will also include a special broadcast on Nov. 17, 2013, celebrating National Theatre of Great Britain's 50th anniversary.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .