A young Danish prince on the verge of madness, a traitorous king intent on keeping his throne, and a spectral figure alleging murder most foul. This is how the stage is set in Hamlet, the final offering of the 2023 Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival, coming to the Duncan Showroom in October and November.

This is one of Shakespeare’s most popular, and most quotable works, and for good reason. The challenge was to find a unique approach to breathing life into this 400-year-old play, and that’s why director Laura Faulkner has chosen to present it as a psychological thriller with contemporary flourishes.

The titular character will be played by Aaron Livingstone, with Brian Dennison embodying his uncle Claudius and Sylvia Swift and Laura Sirmul taking turns as his mother Gertrude. Hamlet’s love interest Ophelia will be played by Cecilia Dennison, and his best friend Horatio will be brought to life by Raine Edgar.

The cast will include both new and veteran members of the Shawnigan Players, and will feature a troupe of mimes as well as music performed by local artists.

One theme that will be explored throughout Hamlet is mental health, which is a topic that is personally significant to Faulkner. Partial proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards the Men’s Therapy Centre.