Hamlet

Synopsis: A video recording, using a single, fixed camera, of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2004 production of Hamlet. Directed by Michael Boyd with Toby Stephens as Hamlet.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 2004
Duration: 268 mins

General: The production was notable for Greg Hicks’ portrayal of the Ghost. The physical embodiment was influenced by a Japanese Bhuto dance company. Bhuto, the dance of darkness, is a dance form developed post-Hiroshima, which began as a direct response from the Japanese dance world to the bomb. An early ‘50s phenomenon, Bhuto is deconstructive and heavily influenced by German Expressionism.

Switzers (Swiss mercenaries) were played by citizens of Stratford.
History: First performance 8 July 2004 at the RST where it ran until 16 October 2004. The production also played at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Albery Theatre, London.
Reviews: For a detailed account by the director, actors, designers and supers of the concept behind the production, the way in which they approached their roles, and the rehearsal process visit http://www.rsc.org.uk/hamlet/current/home.html

Walton, Nick. Shakespeare Bulletin 22, no. 4 (2004), pp113-15.

Name: Royal Shakespeare Company
Web: https://www.rsc.org.uk External site opens in new window
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
CV37 6BB

British Universities Film & Video Council