The depths of Hamlet are explored anew Nov. 6, when The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC, begins performances of the Shakespeare play.

Australian director Gale Edwards (who staged Broadway's most recent Jesus Christ Superstar) helms the royal ghost story, with two-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Wallace Acton tackling the title role. Performances continue to Jan. 6.

The company includes Ted van Griethuysen as Claudius, Edward Gero as the Ghost of Hamlet's father and the Player King, Floyd King as Osric and The Gravedigger, David Sabin as Polonius, Emery Battis as Prologue and the Priest, Andrew Long as Rosencrantz, Sybil Lines as Gertrude, Bo Foxworth as Laertes, Nicole Lowrance as Ophelia, Cameron Folmar as Horatio, Anthony Hagiopian as Guildenstern.

Designers are Peter England (set), Murrell Horton (costumes), Martin Desjardins (sound), Mark McCullough (lights). Adam Wernick composed music for the staging.

Director Edwards recently staged Sweeney Todd for the Australian Opera in Sydney. Her The White Devil and Don Carlos were seen at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Michael Kahn celebrates his 15th season this year as the DC Shakes artistic director. For information about The Shakespeare Thatre, call (202) 547 1122 ext. 3, or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org.

— By Kenneth Jones