Adishakti Theatre brings feminist reimagining of ‘Hamlet’ to Chennai

Chennai: Adishakti Theatre’s A Woman or Not To Be, a feminist reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, will be staged at Alliance Française of Madras on June 6.

The production reimagines the Danish prince as a young woman, using the classic tragedy as a lens to explore gender, agency, and emotional freedom.

Presented by the Pondicherry-based theatre group, the play draws from Shakespeare’s text while reframing Hamlet’s existential dilemma through a contemporary feminist perspective. It questions societal expectations placed on women and the cost of silence and obedience.

Adishakti, known for its research-driven and physically intense performances, has toured A Woman or Not To Be across India. The Chennai show is part of its ongoing run.

The performance is scheduled for 7 pm on June 6 at AF Madras, Nungambakkam.