The Oakland Theatre Project production of Hamlet, directed by exceptional Michael Socrates Moran at the Marin Shakespeare Theatre, astounds. The play offers an unparalleled, in-depth exploration of the Hamlet’s existential angst, focusing on “every nuisance of every emotion” and spotlighting Hamlet’s powerfully profound question —”Who am I outside of my father’s murderer executioner.” Dean Linnard’s extraordinary performance as Hamlet portrays the raw explosion of mixed feelings through movement and facial expressions. A moral son crushed by his father’s shadow is trapped by that taunting ghost’s demand to avenge his murder.
Erik Wagner as the wordless, bright white, Buddha-like ghost, communicates through movement. Constantly drifting in and out, he torments Hamlet.
Of all the Hamlet’s I have seen, Moran’s Hamlet is the most powerful and creative. Feigning madness, we see inside the real Hamlet, a child in terror. We feel that terror in Linnard’s Oscar winning performance: the lightning quick, frenzied movements, the psychotic break–the earnest angst to do the right thing. But what is that? Is he truly crazy? “To Be or Not to Be,” or both.
Set Designer Mark Thomas’s ubiquitous cement wall outside-the-city is perfect, a timeless fit that frames the unfolding tragedy. The dancers pound rods to the floor, unearthing the primordial essence of African Massai warriors preparing for battle. They dance to the violent strikes that permeate through the hearts of the audience. In the pounding, they echo the woven chaos of the King’s family, their disorientation, grief, and moral crisis. Superb choreography by Bear Graham, followed up by blending the old and new music joins the meaning of the individuals’ suffering of corruption through time. The platform floor opens up in the middle of the stage revealing a shallow pool of water. A brilliant decision: the fluidness of giving life, then drowning in insanity and death.
Three sons: conflicted Hamlet, torn apart by indecision to kill his Uncle Claudius, impatient Laertes (Nathaniel Andalis), and patient son of King Fortinbras of Norway (Myles Bell) seek revenge for their father’s murders. The play is shrouded in father/son misery with none as great as Hamlet. Laertes shows no moral code, or mercy in his decision to kill Hamlet who accidentally murdered his father, the conniving Polonius (Robert Parsons). Fortinbras fights for a minuscule acreage of land.
Claudius married his alcoholic mother, Gertrude, (Liza Manarez) a bright, and humorous star in the play. Yet, in a moment of clarity, Hamlet orchestrates the play, “Mousetrap,” to mirror King Claudius’s murder of his father, and snap him like the mouse in a trap of guilt. But no. Claudius, like many authoritative tyrants, corrupt, and merciless, storms out, guilty, yet full of anguish.
Among the standout performances is Regina Morones’s Ophelia. No longer fragile or submissive, her Ophelia rises in strength, immersing herself in the pool of insanity with dignity and power. She becomes Hamlet’s equal—both in passion and in tragedy—a wonderful and timely modern interpretation.
James Mercer II’s Horatio grounds the play, a beacon of loyalty and decency amid the corruption that consumes the court.
Moran’s Hamlet resonates powerfully today, drawing parallels between Shakespeare’s diseased Denmark and our own fractured world. He also pays homage to those who resist corruption while reminding us of the heavy toll inflicted on society through betrayal, grief, and the ghosts we cannot escape.
When you see this last weekend’s performance, and you must, do not forget to read “From the Director” in the playbill for an even better understanding of the play—especially if you are new to Hamlet.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, directed by Michael Socrates Moran, set by Mark Thomas, props by Heidi Button, choreography by Bear Graham, costumes by Alexia Dominique Rodriguez, by Oakland Theater Project, at Marin Shakes, San Rafael, California.Info: oaklandtheaterproject.org – to September 21, 2025.
Cast: Dean Linnard, Dov Hassan, Robert Parsons, Nathaniel Andalis, Lisa Ramirez, Erik Wagner, James Mercer II, Regina Morones, William Oliver III, David Djemal Rukin, Zhang Bai Han, Nikki Lee, Myles Bell, A’Nia Ferguson, Anisa Barney, Alexander Cole, and Kaitlyn Wichterman.
Dancers: Kayla Chang, Tindra Olsson-Hoffman, Xujia Wei, Cate Flowers, Emilee Lou Brown, and Alula Dreicer.