Hamlet Summer 2023
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet Prince of Denmark (I.v.165-6)
Listening to the Emma Smith podcast about Hamlet, she made the point that the dead king’s name was Hamlet, and his son’s name is Hamlet, and Hamlet (Sr.) slew Fortinbras (Sr.), and we all know how this ends, right?
The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears, and tells Hamlet to avenge a death and that turns this into a revenge play.
”but Shakespeare’s play significantly duplicates his Hamlets by giving the dead king and his troubled son the same name.” Page 162.
Hamlet Jr. wasn’t the name until Hamlet Sr., the king, was dead. Weird naming conventions.
Just naming conventions.
Hamlet Summer 2023
Like singing along at concert with a favorite rockstar, I was listening and maybe mouthing the words to some of the passages that I know by heart. The actor playing the lead was outstanding. Period. Amazing.
I’ve got a couple of DVD versions in addition to whatever is available on streaming, and yet, I didn’t get around to much more than a quick glance at the Emma Smith stuff.
From the previous evening, I knew what Hamlet looked like as she hammed her way through a supporting role. There was a solid hint. Middle of a hot summer afternoon, lots of fans, but no AC? The traffic of the stage was right at three hours, and riveting almost all the way through.
The actor who played Hamlet is a star.
I kept trying to remember to get her picture with the skull.
Each production adds its own touches. Perfect pacing and exceptional diction. Really was a good Hamlet.
If I get a break and an opportunity, I’d like to see it again. Not sure I can make it happen, but it was good — that good.
Hamlet Summer 2023
“Alas, poor Yorick…” (via Austin’s rock shop)
(Emma Smith’s This is Shakespeare)
