William Shakespeare's Hamlet has certainly stood the test of time. It tells the tale about a young prince attempting to avenge his father’s murder. It has been around for centuries and it is still considered one of the greatest works of literature of all time. It was recently performed in London and thanks to National Theatre Live, I was able to view a broadcast of it at the Michigan Theater.
The play was directed by Lindsey Turner and starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Prince Hamlet. It was a fascinating production that featured some modern interpretations and phenomenal acting from all of the players.
The lines were, of course, true to Shakespeare’s original. Turner, however, added some modern adaptions through the props and costumes displayed. The play opens with Hamlet looking through a photo album, while listening to a vinyl record. These two things reoccur often throughout the play, especially with Ophelia, who seems to have picked up photography as a hobby. I am normally not a huge fan of modernizing classics, however, these adaptions were quite tasteful because there weren't too many modern objects in the play. The adaptations were also quite subtle and blended very nicely into the production. The costumes were very modern as well. Take this one, for example:
This is quite wonderful, actually. In the process of modernizing this classic, Turner was able to insert something humorous. Everyone watching was able to laugh at Prince Hamlet wearing something that so blatantly said ‘king’ on the back. Other fun costumes included Ophelia in trousers and pants, and a hipster Horatio, who never took off his backpack. The costumes were clearly chosen carefully, and they complemented each character greatly.
However, nothing formed each character into the masterpieces that they were, as greatly as the actors were able to. This play had admirable acting from both the minor and major players. Siân Brooke, who played Ophelia, was successfully able to transform her character from a beautiful, young woman to a woman who has lost her sanity. Brooke perfectly embodied the visual representation of Ophelia’s declining mind.
All of the actors were marvelous, but Benedict Cumberbatch was certainly the man of the hour. From the very beginning when he began to cry over the memory of his father, it was clear that he was ready to become Prince Hamlet for three hours. Cumberbatch delivered powerful lines and powerful monologues with such passion that it made me happier than this play had ever made me, and it reminded me that it will never be forgotten. He was also extremely capable of making the audience laugh because, above all, Hamlet is one of the wittiest characters in all of literature.
This production of Hamlet is one that should not be missed. It is certainly something a Shakespeare lover should see. If you were unable to see it, you’re not out of luck because the Michigan Theater has announced that they will be showing it again in January.
