Experience the "Fate of Ophelia" in action in Alvernia University's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
This event is open to the public. Tickets are available at the door and are free to Alvernia students, faculty, and staff. Admission is $5 for all others. All performance dates include:
Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Nov. 7: 8 p.m.
Nov. 8: 8 p.m.
*Nov. 13: 8 p.m. | Special Showing & Admissions Event. More Details Below.
Nov. 14: 8 p.m.
Nov. 15: 8 p.m.
Nov. 16: 2 p.m.
Alvernia University Theatre is proud to present senior theatre major Aliyah Daniels as Hamlet. Hamlet is regarded as one of the greatest characters ever created. As a play, “Hamlet” has been in regular production since its first performance.
The play has recently been discussed in pop culture because of Taylor Swift's 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl. The connection arises from the lyrics and music video of the album's lead track, "The Fate of Ophelia," a reference to Hamlet's tragic heroine, and Swift's discussion of Hamlet in press interviews that promote the album.
Nathan Thomas, Ph.D., director of the theatre program, noted that with all the commentary that has been written about the title character, one of the very important facets is that Hamlet is a university student.
“Shakespeare shows us a person who is going through the challenges faced by many young people in any time period – family issues, romantic obstacles, questions of values and beliefs – and then a sword fight!” Thomas said.
*Click the link for more details on the Nov. 18 Special Showing and Admissions Event and secure your spot:
https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2025/10/hamlet-information-session
Schedule:
5:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Check-in at Alvernia University Student Center
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.: Admissions Presentation in Student Center Seminar Rooms
6:00 - 6:45 p.m.: Tour of University spaces
6:45 - 7:30 p.m.: Dinner in Student Center Dining Hall
7:30 - 8:00 p.m.: Walk to Francis Hall Theatre
8:00 p.m.: "Hamlet" play
Also check out other Arts events in Reading, Theatre events in Reading, Entertainment events in Reading.
