The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 12.1358  Monday, 4 June 2001

From:           H. R. Greenberg <
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Date:           Sunday, 3 Jun 2001 22:26:17 EDT
Subject:        Disappointing Hamlet

Saw yesterday at Brooklyn Academy of Music the much vaunted Hamlet and
was quite disappointed. Earlier production by Peter Brook much more
intriguing in overall conception. Supporting cast good to poor, Claudius
unimaginative, Polonius not bad, Hamlet OK, but for a 'thoughtful,
thinking through the moment' Hamlet, I will take Derek Jacobi of several
decades back and Kenneth Branagh recently. Overall, no subliminity, no
awe, little pity, and as recently been the fashion, no Fortinbras, no
explanation for the warlike preparation, and no '...quarrel in a
straw...' soliloquy. Ending had a bit of that ineluctable sublime, but
all in all, tepid stuff, making one wonder if all the promises of
greatness were in aid of emptying our pocketbooks.  Should be interested
in other opinions, altho I believe several who have seen the production
here have felt it missed the mark.

Harvey Roy Greenberg, MD

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