The evolution of a story
The Bay Area’s weekly roundup of arts, culture, and community | May 15 to 21, 2026
A play, a book, a real-life story, a movie. A real-life story, a book, a movie, a play. You can mix them around in any order and you’ll be able to find a story of adaptation. Inspiration comes from so many places and forms of media and entertainment have never been more fluid than they are now.
Hamnet is one of these fluid stories. Based on Agnes and William Shakespeare’s life (while heavily fictionalized) Hamnet was first a book written by Maggie O'Farrell. Next came the stage production, adapted from the novel by Lolita Chakrabarti. And most recently came the film, which gained attention during the last award season.
Another shape-shifting tale is premiering this Sunday at Berkeley Rep. The Lunchbox is a co-produced film between India, United States, Germany and France. It obviously speaks to a multitude of audiences and as such, has found a new format through the stage and music.
Sometimes the adaptation becomes even more popular than the original and outshines it. Who has heard of The Barber of Seville? When you think of it, Rossini’s opera is probably what comes to mind. But before the comedy opera came a play of the same name written in 1775 by Pierre Beaumarchais. The opera comes to SF Opera later this month.
So what stays and what goes when an adaptation is made? How are the characters reworked, and who gets replaced? A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon discusses this process with Hamnet adaptor Lolita Chakrabarti and director Erica Whyman. — Ciara
On the Stage
The Lunchbox
Theatre | Berkeley Repertory Theatre
May 17 – June 28 | Tickets
Rediscover the beauty of human connection in The Lunchbox — a new musical adaptation of Ritesh Batra’s internationally acclaimed film.
More Events
- Blomstedt Conducts Mahler 9 | San Francisco Symphony | Now – May 17 | View Program
- Hamnet | American Conservatory Theater | Now – May 24 | View Program
- Dracula: A Feminist Rage Fantasy, Really | San Francisco Playhouse | Now – June 27
- In the Heights | South Bay Musical Theatre | May 16 – June 6
Next Line
- Want to be a fly on the wall? Follow Matthew Shilvock during SF Opera’s first day back in rehearsals.
- It’s Friday, which means it is almost time to turn your brain off. Do it a little early and take Cal Performances’ simple quiz to determine which subscription package is best for you.
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