'Hamlet: The Bad Quarto' on tap March 12 in Shelton

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival continues its “Shakespeare in the Bar” series at 7 p.m. March 12 at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St. with “Hamlet: The Bad Quarto.”

Most everyone knows Shakespeare’s iconic story of “Hamlet”, the tragic prince of Denmark, but few know the “Bad Quarto” version, or even what that designation means. Its significance has been debated for centuries, but Tom Simonetti, VSF’s Executive and Artistic Director, explains it this way:

“The ‘Bad Quarto’ may have been Shakespeare’s first draft of the play, or it may have been a pared down version for touring purposes, or it may have even been a pirated version. It is definitely shorter than the one we know and love, and audiences will see some exciting changes in the characters’ famous speeches, their allegiances and even in their names. It will definitely keep them on their toes!”

Despite these noticeable differences, the basic story of the play remains the same.

And although it is categorized as a Shakespearean tragedy, some of the changes have often left audiences laughing out loud. 

Simonetti concludes, “All great tragedy is a comedy in the end.”

Previous VSF “Shakespeare in the Bar” performances include last year’s “Macbeth” in March and their wildly successful Halloween adaptation of “Titus Andronicus” in October.

Tickets and reservations for the performance are on sale at VSF’s website, www.vsfestival.org or by calling 203-513-9446. 

The event will take place in the Café’s intimate upper-level bar venue and will begin at 6:15 p.m. with free pizza, courtesy of Porky’s.  

Admission is $10 per person in advance, $15 at the door and includes performance and pizza. 

Space is limited; advance purchase is recommended.


This is a press release from the Valley Shakespeare Festival, a non-profit theater company, fiscally-sponsored by Fractured Atlas, dedicated to bringing free Shakespeare to the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.