Reviews | "Hamlet"

A truly great Hamlet that dives into the dark rooms of a corrupt social and collective life, with an impressive leading character, performed by Christos Loulis. We saw –at last– a production that was large-scale in all of its aspects: intention, experiment, outcome.

Efimerida ton Syntakton, 29 December 2015

Yannis Houvardas manages to turn Hamlet into a thoroughly modern ode to human power and weakness, in his own unique way, which has become the emblem of a subtle and ramified presentation that nevertheless remains absolutely clear.

Protothema, 15 January 2015

The utmost drama of self-cancellation of the global repertoire is directed with exemplary sensitivity and commitment by Yannis Houvardas, in a translation by Dionysis Kapsalis and a flawless production by Stegi.

Bookpress.gr, 18 January 2015

Hamlet’s impasses are all there, in front of us. The director searched for ways out – an emergency exit, at least. With a new and current translation by Dionysis Kapsalis, Yannis Houvardas entered the universe of the Shakespearean character having the poet-translator by his side. They shared the key concept: “To be or not to be” does not have to do with mere existence, but with the substance of being. And in this struggle between “substance and appearances”, between life and theater, the director tried to understand the riddles of the character and follow him to the labyrinth of his mind and soul. And he made it. First and foremost, “Hamlet” at Stegi is the show of a director.

TA NEA, 19 January 2015

Based on Dionysis Kapsalis’ excellent translation, Yannis Houvardas managed to put on a meaningful, impressive and contemporary show, with a cinematic atmosphere and unexpected aesthetic references.

VIMAGAZINO, 24 January 2015

I saw “Hamlet” at Stegi, wonderfully translated by Kapsalis. I was fascinated by Houvardas’ economy and I decided that no other Greek actress can play like Moutoussi.

protagon.gr, 24 January 2015

What impressed me in a play so famous and over-staged was the aesthetic of the production, its conception and execution, the overall vision of Houvardas for this work, the successful connection with the corruption of the system nowadays, yet without being barren of poetry and lyricism, without derogating Shakespeare.

Theatro.wordpress.com, 26 January 2015

To begin with, one should admit that Yannis Houvardas shaped a genius “Hamlet”, measuring up to the international stage of Stegi and ready to claim the credits it deserves on any European stage.

[…]

Yannis Houvardas presented a performance with multiple layers and meanings, difficult to narrow down to a critique or analysis. I would love to be able to watch this “Hamlet” many more times before I feel that I actually captured its basic framework, let alone the numerous sign systems that compose it. However, I can say that it is a production that should remain in the repertory and be presented again here or on tours abroad.

Imerodromos.gr, 28 January 2015

An interesting and imaginative suggestion, which results in a performance that moves between the conscious and the subconscious and captivates the audience with the suspense and the unspeakable horror it creates, while it has several elements of a psychological thriller.

Estia, 28 January 2015

Yannis Houvardas performs a study of expressive power and deconstruction of the rationalistic constants of theater in a dream/nightmare-like environment, focusing on the philosophical and psychological background of the play. This modern staging includes excellent performances and is attentive to the symbolization and illustration of the emotional depth, and Houvardas manages to narrate the story bringing rhythm and movement in Dionysis Kapsalis’ translation.

Athinorama, 5 February 2015

Yannis Houvardas ingeniously constructed the show around roles, appearances and substance, hypocrisy, deceit, doubt, and a Hamlet trapped in his parents’ various traps, real or imaginary, conscious or unconscious, yet deadly.

Kathimerini, 15 February 2015

“Hamlet” by Yannis Houvardas combined contemporary visual thoroughness with semantic completeness and claims the title of the best production of the season.

Clickatlife.gr, 6 April 2015

One thing is for sure: Yannis Houvardas’ Hamlet is a show that does not only offer food for thought, but it constitutes a rich intellectual feast for audience and critics alike.

Episkinis.gr