Oscar Isaac changed the course of “Star Wars” — why not aShakespearean tragedy? It wouldn’t even be the first time.
Today, Brooklyn’sTheater for a New Audienceannounced that theInternet’s boyfriendwill be playing the title role in its 2017 spring production of “Hamlet,” which will begin previews on June 4 for a short run ending July 30. RELATED:Spring is Shakespeare season: Where to see the Bard’s works around NYC Like Shakespeare’s Danish prince, the actor’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” character,pinup pilotPoe Dameron, originally died in the spaceship he uses to rescue ex-stormtrooper Finn.But it turns out director J.J. Abrams is just as vulnerable to the actor’s charm as therest of usand changed his fate after Isaac lobbied him. Letting Dameron live has turned out to be one of thebest decisionsin the franchise’s history— and could lead to the movies getting theirfirstgay characters. We’re living in the golden age of reboots. Why not give Hamlet’s tragic ending a rethink? It’s worth noting that Shakespearean tragedy being averted in the presence of Isaac is not unprecedented.The Juilliard-trained actor’s last turn in the Bard’s work was also in NYC, as Romeo in Shakespeare in the Park’s 2007 production of “Romeo & Juliet” — where the opening night was rained out during the third act, before the lovers could take their own lives.
Ticketsfor “Hamlet” are already available as part of a subscription package through the Polonsky Shakespeare Center.
