While I was in middle school and during my high school years, I dedicated one of my classroom periods each semester to being a student aide in the classrooms for what was then termed “special needs students.”
I was following the lead of my mother and her later-in-life work career as a teacher’s aide for nearly 25 years, with a span of some of her years also dedicated to these same classrooms (and even the same students!) filled with young and inspiring minds who faced and overcame every day challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
It’s a special population much more recognized today for their potential and talents that shine, compared to what was often forgotten lot left in the shadows of yesteryear.
Over the weekend, I attended a performance like none other I’ve ever witnessed during my 30-plus years of writing about entertainment and arts and culture.
A 95-minute no-intermission production of “Hamlet” by the Peruvian company Teatro La Plaza in the intimate upstairs stage space at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier is the complete definition of theatre for the “mind, spirit, soul and imagination.”
A young group of actors, all with Down syndrome, are a powerful and passionate team with their own personal tales to share as woven into a quick-cut-away version of William Shakespeare’s classic story of royal family struggles for the crown, and of course, that cradling skull scene of all that remains of the king’s beloved court jester.
Hamlet, ghosts, love interest Ophelia, et al., are all very much intact for this telling.
But it’s how the troupe delivers an all-encompassing crossover narrative that penetrates the heart.
Performed in Spanish, there’s a screen suspended above the stage to translate.
Interspersed into the scenes are key captures and insight into each of the actor’s own lives and how they feel they are perceived by society as someone with Down syndrome.
From a clever desk and microphone interview delving into personal questions (Have you ever been in love? What is something you would like to change about how other people treat you? What are your personal goals and dreams?) to a fun and random large screen (faux) satellite cameo appearance chat with Ian McKellen and a finale dance party, surprises and revelations await around every corner.
Until this performance discussed the term “mongoloid,” I hadn’t heard or thought of that unfair and antiquated term for decades.
Most of all, a powerful takeaway is how similar the late-night thoughts, considerations and concerns are for all, whether Down syndrome, any age, heritage or just any face in a crowd. Fears of loneliness, lack of independence and even questions such as “Who will take care of my parents one day if I’m not able?” haunt everyone, as expressed by this cast of actors sharing their inner identities.
There are also many lighter moments of humor and amusing connections. Actor Jaime Cruz gets his moment to replicate Laurence Olivier’s famous posed stance as the title character from the 1948 film adaptation of “Hamlet,” mirrored larger-than-life on the looming screen behind him. In another entertaining segment, audience members are called to the stage to join the ensemble in staging a landscape scene featuring moving trees, noisy crickets and a grimacing moon.
With clever staging and use of mixed media, every moment of this “Hamlet” is edge-of-seat enlightenment and entertainment. Presented with just 12 performances this week through March 23 in partnership with the Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance, the production made its debut in 2019 and has been performed over 160 times in 36 cities across 11 countries.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. as well as matinees at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $40, with a special “Under 30 for $30” option. Discount parking is available in the Navy Pier garage. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com or 312-595-5600.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.