This tragedy is a lot of fun
Hamlet, Shakespeare’s ever popular revenge tragedy, gets a grand, quick-paced and even more quickly spoken adaptation at The National Theatre, writes Melina Block.
One of the Bard’s most popular plays, the themes of grief, betrayal, love, loss, deceit and madness have captured the imaginations of audiences and actors alike for centuries. This most recent rendition, despite retaining the original Shakespearean language, feels thoroughly modern. It is not simply the clothes (Ophelia sports a burgundy tracksuit in one scene, while Hamlet dons a white graphic tee with ‘Boys and Tobacco’ emblazoned across it in others), but the rapid escalation of the action and almost rushed monologues at some points make this feel more suited for a Netflix adaptation than the stage.
Some people – particularly those already familiar with the script – will appreciate the energetic, lively nature of this show. But it is hard to imagine how someone who is not already well acquainted with the language of Shakespeare’s day would engage with a production which too frequently has you straining to hear what is being said.
That is not to say that the actors are not enjoyable to watch; Francesca Mills’ Ophelia and Hiran Abeyeskera’s Hamlet are both played rather comedically, emphasising the girlish naivety and teenage angst of their characters, respectively. Geoffrey Streatfeild is also particularly commanding as Polonius, making his all too sudden murder at the hands of Hamlet even more disappointing. It is hard to understand why such a pivotal scene seems to have been paced so rapidly.
Despite an overarching feeling that the whole piece could have been slowed down a little bit, it cannot be said that this performance is not exciting. The action is nonstop and the subtle wit of Shakespeare’s writing is consistently drawn out. Hamlet’s cruel rejection of Ophelia is a particularly powerful scene, a rare moment where the actors – and audience – are given space to breathe and take in the devastating emotional impact of the manipulation and betrayal of these characters. Overall, this adaptation may not always emphasise the depth some may desire from the story but it is definitely a lot of fun.
National Theatre until November 22nd.
Booking and full details: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/hamlet/
