Andre Amarotico Connects Shakespeare’s Rebel Prince to Modern Times

by Jenyth Jo

SPARC Theater’s outdoor production of “Hamlet” displays the best of regional theater: talented actors, superb attention to the lines, and a set that takes advantage of evening’s changing light. What a joy to see “Hamlet” as the crows and dragonflies fly above Darcie Kent’s vineyards.

I came to see what talented actor Andre Amarotico would do as Hamlet: would he capture our hearts? Would he make us dread his inevitable demise, and wonder how many brilliant rebels have been killed for defying dictators?

My answer is an unequivocal YES.  Two gentlemen sitting nearby had never seen or read the play, and based on their reactions, they were captivated. As Amarotico made his last gasps, they grabbed tissues.

Director Lisa A. Tromovitch creates crisp scenes, consistent pacing, and effective choreography. Set in 1990 post-Cold War Denmark, Hamlet sees new threats on the horizon. This “Hamlet” recalls  a time when authoritarians spied and murdered to stay in power.

Amarotico wisely lets the language do its magic, creating claustrophobic tension. He learns, from the Ghost of his father King Hamlet, that his Uncle Claudius has murdered for crown and queen, and Hamlet promises revenge.

This Ghost is an amazing giant puppet, played by three actors who dance the Ghost’s shroud into a towering figure. When they split apart like the dementors in Harry Potter, they add mystery and intrigue.

Amarotico creates Hamlet’s “antic disposition” with crazy eyebrows and a fixed gaze, sometimes directed at the audience, who’s in on the scheme. Graceful and athletic in all black, he eloquently delivers the scene-closing couplets to increase the drama. We root for his success.

There’s a problem, though. Hamlet follows the rules and uses his moral compass. His enemy King Claudius, however, turns Hamlet’s friends into spies. The King corrupts Hamlet’s dear Ophelia and manipulates the court to maintain power. Nobody dares to oppose Claudius’ illegal and unethical behavior. Fear usurps virtue.

Shakespeare gives Hamlet stunning soliloquies, and Amarotico delivers great moments. “What a rogue and peasant slave am I” and “How all occasions do inform against me” stand out against today’s political landscape. Amarotico’s Hamlet highlights the futility of military actions, especially in light of today’s ill-informed strategic blunders.

In this demanding play, actors play multiple roles. Lightning-quick costume changes propel the action, and the actors display their carefully honed skills.

Ophelia (appealing Anjoli Aguilar) wails in beautiful song after her beloved Hamlet mistakenly kills her father. Ophelia knows that her spying makes her complicit in the King’s rule, and her obedience to tainted patriarchy deranges her. Aguilar makes us mourn all powerless women.

Ophelia’s father, Polonius (effective Greg Parker), fawns over the king to keep his place in court. He orders his daughter to discover Hamlet’s intentions but dies while spying. Just desserts.

By usurping the throne, marrying his brother’s wife, and plotting against his nephew, the King finally entraps himself.  Who is left alive to lead Denmark out of authoritarianism?

When greedy leaders put profit and power over their people’s security, everyone is at risk. SPARC Theater’s “Hamlet” provides an entertaining and insightful embodiment of our present political crisis.

 

“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, directed by Lisa A. Tromovitch, scenic design by Camryn Lang, costumes by Callie Floor, lighting by Evan Lopes, sound by Grant Huberty, puppet by Karen Riley, fight choreography by Nic Moore, by SPARC Theater, at Darcie Kent Vineyards, Livermore, California.

Info: sparctheater.org – to July 26, 2026.

Cast:  Andre Amarotico, Anjoli Aguilar, Lauren Dunagan, Sarah Dunnavant, Nic Moore, Rob Seitelman, Greg Parker, Charlie Lavaroni, Aiden Haines, and Karina Sapkota.

Banner photo: Andre Amarotico and Anjoli Aguilar. Photos: Cumulus Light Photography by Gregg Le Blanc.