Hamlet

This Handbook's central commentary leads the reader through Hamlet's text, noting what it requires from its actors and the choices they are offered. Attention is also paid to plot and dramatic structure, the changing activity and grouping of persons on stage, and variations of pace. An account is given of early editions, the theatrical conditions of early performances, and the social, political and cultural context of the time, with generous quotations from contemporary writings. Notable productions and performances are described and a variety of critics cited to offer a number of different ways to understand the play's achievements and significance.

John Russell Brown is Professor of Theatre at Middlesex University.

Series Preface * Introduction * The Text and First Performances * The Play in Performance * Sources and Cultural Context * Key Performances and Productions * The Play on Screen * Critical Assessments * Further Reading * Index * Series Preface * Introduction * The Text and First Performances * The Play in Performance * Sources and Cultural Context * Key Performances and Productions * The Play on Screen * Critical Assessments * Further Reading * Index