Actors with Down syndrome tear down barriers in London theatre show

Octavio Bernaza of Peru's Teatro La Plaza performs in a dress rehearsal of 'Hamlet' at London's Barbican Theatre. Photo: AFP

It's one of Shakespeare's most existential questions "to be or not to be?" Now a group of globe-trotting Peruvian actors with Down syndrome are tackling it head-on, breaking down prejudice and barriers.

Cristina Leon, Jaime Cruz and Manuel Garcia are members of the eight-strong group currently performing William Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Barbican centre in London this week until Sunday.