In the summer of 1993, Steven Schipper, artistic director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC), received an unexpected pitch from director and acting teacher Lewis Baumander. Baumander suggested a rising Hollywood star he had mentored—Keanu Reeves—for the role of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Known then for his surfer-dude persona in films like Point Break and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Reeves’ ambition to tackle the Danish prince intrigued Schipper.
Reeves’ Shakespearean roots dated back to his Toronto theater days, including a bold audition interruption to play Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Despite Hollywood success, he remained passionate about Shakespeare, prompting Schipper to invite him to RMTC. After months of deliberation, Reeves agreed, turning down major Hollywood offers—including Michael Mann’s Heat and a $6 million payday—to embrace the Winnipeg winter and a $1,000-per-week theater salary.
The production began in January 1995, with Reeves arriving to throngs of adoring fans. The actor’s dedication to the role shone through grueling rehearsals, even as he struggled to adapt from film to stage. While opening-night nerves and critical reviews posed challenges, Reeves’ relentless work ethic and commitment won admiration from castmates and audiences alike.
The sold-out run of Hamlet ignited “Keanu-mania” in Winnipeg, with fans traveling globally to see him perform. Reeves graciously engaged with fans, signing autographs in the freezing cold and staying grounded despite his stardom. The play’s legacy endures as a testament to Reeves’ artistry and dedication to theater.
In hindsight, Reeves called playing Hamlet “worth it” despite early struggles. His former mentor Baumander remembers him as a passionate young artist who, even at the height of fame, prioritized his craft over celebrity.
Source: Swifteradio.com
