Shakespeare’s classic play Hamlet has been performed many hundreds of times since its original performance in 1609. In honor of Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, the touring company from the Globe Theater in England planned an ambitious tour, performing one of the bard’s greatest tragedies in every nation on Earth over two years. They chose the play Hamlet and performed it in 197 countries. Listen to learn how they planned to accomplish this monumental task, and what the world can learn from Hamlet.
Story Length: 6:20
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04/23/2014
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/443-shakespeare-in-every-country
What are some of the reasons why they might have chosen "Hamlet" to perform instead of other plays, such as “Romeo and Juliet”?
Why is it important to remember that Hamlet is a “genius?”
What are some of the biggest obstacles today’s audiences face in understanding Shakespeare’s work? How different would those obstacles be for a non-English-speaking audience?
What would a “coarser, cruder, bolder” version of Hamlet leave out from the original?
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of performing a play like “Hamlet” with a minimal set?
