The Secret Love Life of Ophelia

Who would have known that Ophelia was such a lusty gal? For better or worse, playwright Steven Berkoff and Vancouver’s Theatre ABC turn the spotlight full on the lady’s healthy libido, along with political intrigue and other matters, in this multi-textured exploration of Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet. Alicia Novak and Darren Boquist play the two lovers in Berkoff’s poetic treatment of the story, which integrates slices from Shakespeare’s play. Boquist also designed the dramatic lighting, which the lovers control by moving around two on-stage lights. Intensely physical (mime and gesture are part of the movement-rich show) and highly theatrical, it’s all a bit precious and fast becomes wearying. At Arts Court Library until June 28.