To watch or not to watch — that is the question.
I have studied countless Shakespeare plays. From year 9 English through to university level literature classes. However, one cannot truly appreciate Shakespeare’s works from the back corner of a worn-down classroom. The experience of standing on your feet in a crowded arena, watching the actors embody Shakespeare’s characters entirely is unmatched.
The costumes in this performance were astounding. The dresses worn by Ophelia and Queen Gertrude were both fitting to the era and the character’s personas. For example, the clean white of Ophelia’s dress portraying her innocence yet perhaps foreshadowing her death. Also, the director’s choice for the actor’s to be silent and have only music playing when Hamlet performs his play for the King and Queen profoundly built tension and suspense. However, none of these choices were as courageous as the decision to have Hamlet be played by a female, Ophelia a male actor, and Horatio a female actor. Whilst initially this evoked shock and confusion, soon after I was completely on board with the idea, symbolising that Shakespeare is indeed timeless, yet still progressing and growing with modern society.
After deep analysis and contemplation, the answer to my question is unequivocal. Yes, this play is absolutely worth the watch.
*Images from The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/may/16/shakespeares-globe-michelle-terry-hamlet-as-you-like-it
Literature with Anna 
Hey Anna,
Really nice review! I am in the same boat as you, having studied Shakespeare since year 9… and I agree experiencing an authentic play at the Globe would truly deepen my appreciation of his art.
I enjoy your non-literary analysis (costumes, stage directions and characterisation) of the play, I think it is important to acknowledge the directors choices in order to strengthen the meaning of the play.
I would like to share my thoughts about Ophelia as male actor. initially, I was startled and excited by the choice. When reading the play, I had always envisioned Ophelia as a petite, fair, vulnerable looking character. This is due to how every role she has in the play is defined by a relationship with a male; Polonius (dad), Laertes (brother) and Hamlet (lover). Shakespeare characterised her to rely on other people’s roles in the play, she could not stand alone. Her agency is taken away from her by the males in her life from the moment we meet her in Act One, the men are telling her what to do.
The Globe’s Ophelia has a stronger stage presence and demands more attention from the audience, thus. intrinsically making Ophelia a more independent character.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Vic
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Hi Anna,
What a wonderful blog you have written on the Globe Theatre’s Hamlet performance. You write in a way in which you casually integrate details that enhance the piece, e.g, “corner of a worn down classroom” – I love it!
Your observations on the costume features are elements I would have never thought of! White has such power in this context as it has the potential to show so many different messages which you explored!
I too was so amazed and perplexed about the gender bending of the characters, which does show just how versatile and deep Shakespeare’s characters are. Their complexities transcend any gender labels as they are all shared part of human nature.
The only recommendation I have is that I wish there was more to read! I would have loved to have read what you thought of the other elements of the play. Other than the length, well done on an excellent blog Anna!
Nina x
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