A Murder Most Foul, A Play Most Famous at Castle Clinton

By Joseph Ferris

For eight nights this month, Castle Clinton will do its best Royal Court of Denmark impersonation as Shakespeare Downtown brings The Bard’s Hamlet to life at the Lower Manhattan landmark. The shows will run Thursdays through Sundays from June 13-23.

Shakespeare’s most-performed play, which gave the world “to be or not to be” and “to thine own self be true” will be staged the way it debuted at the Globe Theatre more than 400 years ago — open-air, in the round and on the water. Fealty to the crown not required.

While something may be rotten in the State of Denmark, there’s nothing rotten about getting tickets to see the machinations of Prince Hamlet, King Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia and the ghost of Hamlet’s father. Tickets are free and available the day of the performance starting at 6p. The play begins at 6:30p each night and ends at 9p.

For weather-related updates on the day of performances, make sure to check Shakespeare Downtown’s Facebook page.

Shakespeare Downtown has previously performed Romeo and Juliet, Richard III and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Castle Clinton. More information about the organization is available on their website