What happens in Elsinore Castle after everyone dies at the end of Hamlet? The last time we see our hero in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, he’s passing off his crown to a Norwegian prince and begging his friend Horatio to stay alive and tell his story. Playwright Lee Blessing’s 1991 farce Fortinbras imagines the transfer of power as a comedy of sorts. Fortinbras solidifies his power by lying to his constituents but creepy goings-on continue to pose a bit of a challenge. He is, after all, living in a mansion where multiple people were poisoned and murdered in a matter of hours, so ghosts certainly make their presence known. Presented as part of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s ReDiscovery series, Blessing’s play gets a professional reading that will encourage viewers to examine how Shakespeare’s centuries-old themes remain relevant in contemporary times. Whether it’s the consolidation of political capital, moving past tragedy, or the consequences of our dreams, these ideas make a lesser known play just as thought provoking as its infamous source material. The reading begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. Free; reservations required. (202) 547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
The owners of DGS Delicatessen open a raw bar and seafood-centric restaurant called Waley’s today in Navy Yard, overlooking the Anacostia River. The menu includes six types of oysters plus small, medium, and large seafood towers ($65-140). Chef Daniel Perron, formerly of Fiola Mare and The Oval Room, is also preparing several crudos (razor clams with fava beans, meyer lemon, pickled chili, and basil) and entrees like tempura-fried soft-shell crabs. Not craving seafood? There’s also a grilled pork chop and hanger steak. Whaley’s, 301 Water St. SE, Suite 115. whaleysdc.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Georgia-based rock band Arbor Labor Union brings its unique songs to DC9, where it performs with HyeTension, a quartet out of Richmond. 9 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.
Big Black Delta, the electronic side project of Mellowdrone frontman Jonathan Bates, plays the Black Cat Backstage alongside Utah rock ensemble Sego. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15.
Head to Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle for a reading from author Adam Mitzner, who discusses his latest thriller, The Girl From Home. 6:30 p.m. at 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Want ToDo ToDay sent to your inbox five days a week? Sign up here.