In Ladyshakes, Atlanta Women Perform ‘Hamlet,’ Do Combat
Hamlet is just one of the many prized role for actors, but it is out of reach for many, especially for one rather sizable group of the population: women.
In fact, only 16 percent of the roles Shakespeare wrote were for women, and unless a theater company does a fair amount of gender parody in their productions, women rarely get to work together on productions.
That was part of the inspiration for LadyShakes, an evening of Shakespearean scenes, combat and music all performed by the women of the Atlanta Shakespeare Company.
“We are overflowing with talented, amazing women in the Atlanta Shakespeare Company and because there are so few roles for women in Shakespeare, a show comes along and maybe you have two other women you are sharing the stage with,” said Dani Herd, Atlanta Shakespeare Company member and Artistic Associate. “LadyShakes was inspired in terms of, gosh, I’d like to be in with all of you.”
This is the second time that the Atlanta Shakespeare Company women will put on LadyShakes. The performance will take place at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Monday. All proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.