Modern Hamlets & Their Soliloquies

The Shakespearean soliloquy, though it has always fascinated scholars and engendered much historical and literary commentary, has not until now been studied from a performance point of view. In this book Mary Maher examines how modern actors have chosen to perform the seven soliloquies in Hamlet, and why they made the choices they made, against the backdrop of their specific productions of the play. At its heart is a series of eclectic and provocative interviews with, among others, Derek Jacobi, David Warner, Kevin Kline, and Ben Kingsley; the performances considered include those of Olivier, Gielgud, Burton, and Guinness. This multitude of powerful voices brings out fascinating parallels and divergences among different actors and illustrates the many personal and creative touches with which gifted players can enrich a character.
Modern Hamlets and Their Soliloquies will instruct and delight actors, readers, lovers of Shakespeare, and all those who enjoy the grand passions and the smallest and most perfect nuances that make great drama.

Mary Z. Maher is professor of theatre arts at the University of Arizona in Tucson.