Hamlet on Stage

On Stage

Hamlet has been performed on stage for four hundred years, in many different languages and many different settings. One of the earliest performances of Hamlet ever recorded was in 1607, on-board the East India Company's ship. The ship was near Sierra Leone at the time and according to the captain, "the acting of it kept his people from idleness and unlawful game, or sleep."

It has been played all over England and indeed in front of King James in 1619 and King Charles in 1637.

It was originally written for the stage of Globe, an airy, open space where it is easy to listen and concentrate to the music and language.

As the character of Hamlet is one of complexity, it takes talent and daring to take the role on. It attracts many world famous actors to the stage of Hamlet.

Since written, Hamlet has never been off the stage, with lots of different adaptations.

For example, when I went to Stratford-Upon-Avon during the summer, I saw Hamlet acted in the 21st century Africa. It had an African setting and up-beat music. I found this variation to be very enjoyable as it had a different perspective.

The acting styles have changed dramatically over the centuries. Many women have successfully attempted the role of Hamlet as Hamlet is believed to have had many feminine qualities. Such actresses include the likes of Sarah Bernhardt in 1899.  



Steaphan Greene
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