The Women of Hamlet Take the Stage at WICA in a Bold New Production by Acclaimed Playwright Lauren Gunderson
Something may be rotten in Shakespeare’s Denmark, but in acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson’s A Room in the Castle, audiences will witness a bold retelling of Hamlet, all from the perspective of the iconic women first made famous by the Bard more than four centuries ago. Making its West Coast premiere at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA), the production will be directed by Rose Woods, who has previously directed two of Gunderson’s other works at WICA: The Revolutionists (2021) and Justice (2024).
“I was thrilled to have Rose Woods back as director for another one of Lauren Gunderson’s trailblazing plays,” said WICA Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan. “In our collaborations with Rose, we’ve brought strong female voices to the stage that represent a wide array of life experiences and time periods—from the French Revolution to the United States Supreme Court. Now we have the opportunity to revisit one of history’s greatest plays through a different lens, leaving us with a new appreciation for the unheard voices of the women in Hamlet.”
The production opens on June 20 with a special opening night party featuring a specialty gin, lavender, lemon, and elderflower cocktail called "The Sanctuary." Performances will run through June 29. This ingenious portrayal reverses the narrative, creating a space where the women of Shakespeare’s Hamlet can fully be themselves within the dangerous Danish royal court.
Cast:
Marta Mulholland as Gertrude
Valerie Huntington as Ophelia
Jessica Robins as Anna
Part of WICA’s New Works Festival in June—which supports new works, voices, and narratives—A Room in the Castle is a brand new play that made its world premiere earlier this year through a co-production by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Folger Theatre.
“I’m so happy to have the play done for the first time after the Folger Theatre’s production,” said Gunderson. “And I’m grateful to be back at Whidbey!”
This production marks the Western debut of this revolutionary play, which tells the story of Hamlet from the perspective of a queen, a noblewoman, and a handmaid as they seek safety and freedom within a perilous world. Their journey offers hope amidst chaos as they come together to sing, laugh, and argue.
“As we immerse ourselves in this reimagined world, I hope you find inspiration in the resilience of these characters and recognize the transformative power of women’s stories in shaping our understanding of history and ourselves,” said director Rose Woods.
“At WICA, our mission is to enrich lives by creating powerful shared experiences in the arts. This production does exactly that—it invites you to think, feel, and experience a centuries-old masterpiece in a new and inspired way,” added Duncan. “We invite you to come witness the power of great art, and take with you the knowledge that the voices on the stage are no longer lost to history.”
Visit WICAOnline.org to learn more about the events and to purchase tickets.