Hamlet (Shakespeare in Production Series) Book

I read this play in one night, and what should be said about it first is that it is MEANT to be seen, NOT read. The complex dynamics of multiple languages all on stage at once makes reading INCREDIBLY difficult. Even so, the impact of the play can still be felt by reading it, especially all in one sitting. Note: There is a lot of strong language in this play. Though other's make not feel so, I felt that the strong language was unnecessary about a third of the time.

That being said, the play literally sags with the weight of its deep commentary. Reading gives the would-be viewer at the ability to slow down time and pick apart the play's ideas, for which I was grateful. So much commentary was included, though, and from nearly every character regardless of their background or education, as to make the story slightly unbelievable at points. Nevertheless, the ideas carried my interest more than anything else, despite the story being interesting and the climax -- oh the climax -- being shocking and even disturbing. The wealth of thinking about art, immigration, national pride, personal identity, rich Europe vs poor Europe, the worth of history in creating national narratives, and the attitudes of the west to the south and far Eastern European countries and peoples is astounding. Never, by my knowledge, have these topics been so directly addressed on stage before. You will never forget this play.