In the summer of 1993, Steven Schipper, the artistic director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, received an intriguing proposal for his upcoming season.

Lewis Baumander, a director and acting teacher, approached Schipper with a suggestion for a young actor he believed would be perfect for the role of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy.

Baumander had previously directed this actor as a teenager in Toronto, where he famously interrupted another actor’s audition for Romeo and Juliet, expressing a strong desire to portray Mercutio.

Baumander recalled, “Nobody wants to play Mercutio,” highlighting the young actor’s enthusiasm for taking on challenging roles.

This talented individual had since ventured into Hollywood but maintained a passion for Shakespeare, often reciting soliloquies before stepping onto film sets.

Intrigued by Baumander’s recommendation, Schipper decided to reach out to Keanu Reeves, the actor in question.

At that time, Reeves was gaining recognition for his performances in films such as Point Break and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

These roles portrayed him as a laid-back surfer dude, a stark contrast to the complex character of Hamlet.

However, his performances in Much Ado About Nothing and My Own Private Idaho hinted at a deeper ambition and versatility.

In addition to his growing film career, Reeves had a highly anticipated action movie, Speed, set for release that summer.

Schipper was eager to discuss the possibility of Reeves taking on the iconic role of Hamlet, seeing it as an opportunity to honor Baumander, who had supported the actor’s early career.

Months passed, and Schipper received a voicemail from Reeves, expressing interest in the role and the project.

In January 1994, Schipper traveled to California to meet with Reeves for lunch in hopes of convincing him to join the production.

The two had met years earlier in Toronto during auditions for a Sam Shepard play, which ultimately went to a different actor.

Now reunited in Venice Beach, Schipper felt optimistic about their discussion until Reeves raised a concern.

He asked what would happen if he received an offer for a significant film role while committed to the production.

Schipper assured Reeves that if there was any doubt about his ability to fulfill the commitment, it would be best to decline the role immediately.

Reeves responded with sincerity, saying, “If that is who you are, then I am for you. Do not talk to my manager. Do not talk to my agents. They will try to dissuade me from doing this. Let me handle it.”

A month later, Reeves signed a contract with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, agreeing to a modest salary of $1,000 per week.

This was the same rate offered to any actor in the company’s marquee production during the harsh winter months in Manitoba.

Interestingly, shortly after signing the contract, Reeves received an offer for a major film role in Michael Mann’s Heat.

Despite the temptation of a $6 million paycheck and the opportunity to star alongside Hollywood legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Reeves chose to honor his commitment to Hamlet.

In a 2019 interview with GQ Magazine, Reeves described being in “movie jail” at Fox after declining Speed 2 to work in Winnipeg.

He mentioned, “I did not work with Fox again until The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

Despite these challenges, Reeves remained steadfast in his commitment to Schipper and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

“That is Keanu Reeves in a nutshell. That is the essence,” Schipper remarked.

As December 1994 approached, Reeves arrived at the Winnipeg airport to a warm welcome from enthusiastic fans, many of whom were young women drawn to his charm.

His star had risen significantly since he had signed on for the role, especially following the success of Speed, which grossed over $350 million worldwide.

Schipper, who had screened VHS copies of Reeves’ previous films for the RMTC board members unfamiliar with their new star, picked him up from the airport in his Volvo station wagon.

The director’s wife humorously noted that they could have sold the car for a premium due to Reeves’ newfound fame.

Once in Winnipeg, the rigorous rehearsal process began, with all traces of Hollywood glamour left behind.

Baumander noted that the atmosphere was focused solely on the production, stating, “Stardom stuff goes away, and we were just a bunch of people working on the play.”

Veteran Winnipeg actor Robb Paterson, who took on multiple roles in the production, recalled the excitement surrounding Reeves’ involvement, saying, “He was like this young sex symbol, so that was very exciting because he was a real movie star.”

Richard Hurst, another local actor, volunteered to assist Reeves by running lines with him to ensure he was fully prepared for opening night.

Reeves had dedicated three weeks of rehearsals with Baumander at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where he learned most of his lengthy soliloquies.

Baumander described their intense preparation, stating, “We just worked and worked and worked. We went through everything—studying from scratch, constructing argument and rhetorical speech and prose and poetry.”

However, as the creative team in Winnipeg began to cut down the lengthy run time of Hamlet, Reeves faced a significant challenge.

The meticulous work he had put into mastering the iambic pentameter was altered as lines and sections were cut to streamline the production.

Hurst noted that this aspect of the process was particularly frustrating for Reeves, saying, “A line cut here and a paragraph cut here and a section cut out here – that drove him crazy.”

Taking on the role of Hamlet was a monumental task for any actor, especially for someone accustomed to the close-up shots of film rather than performing for a live theatre audience.

Nevertheless, the cast of experienced theatre actors was impressed by Reeves’ dedication and hard work.

“No one worked harder than Keanu,” Paterson remarked.

Hurst echoed this sentiment, stating, “There was no slacking off. It was just total, complete, utter focus for him. That is all he thought about. He basically ate, read, slept the script.”

As the production progressed, the excitement surrounding Reeves’ portrayal of Hamlet grew.

The combination of his Hollywood fame and his commitment to the craft brought a unique energy to the theatre.

Audiences were eager to see how he would interpret one of literature’s most complex characters.

When the curtain finally rose on opening night, the anticipation was palpable.

Reeves’ performance was met with enthusiasm, showcasing his ability to transition from film to stage seamlessly.

His dedication to the role and the depth he brought to Hamlet resonated with both the audience and his fellow cast members.

In the years since his time in Winnipeg, Keanu Reeves has continued to thrive in his career, taking on diverse roles that showcase his range as an actor.

However, his commitment to Hamlet remains a defining moment in his journey, illustrating his passion for the craft and his willingness to embrace challenges.

As we mark the 30-year anniversary of Reeves’ turn in Hamlet at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, it is clear that this experience played a significant role in shaping his career.

His dedication to the role and his respect for the theatrical process left a lasting impression on those who worked with him and those who witnessed his performance.

In conclusion, Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Hamlet in Winnipeg was not just a significant milestone in his career; it was a testament to his commitment to the art of acting.

His journey from Hollywood star to stage actor exemplifies the dedication and passion that define true artistry.

As audiences continue to celebrate his work, Reeves’ time in Hamlet serves as a reminder of the power of theatre and the enduring impact of a great performance.