Lasting Impressions by Rachel Frick Cardelle

Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’: a 400-Year-Long Conversation

Shakespeare wrote the tragedy “Hamlet” sometime around 1600 CE, a time of political uncertainty in England, as Queen Elizabeth I aged with no obvious heir. The Glimmer Globe Theatre’s production of “Hamlet,” directed by Michael Tamburrino, offers a chance to delve into what is widely considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest masterpieces, often placing at the top of lists of his best plays.

While normally I only cover college productions at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, I looked forward to talking to Michael again (he had directed “On the Verge” in the spring at Hartwick). Plus, I wanted to go see this production with a little more insight than the first (and only) time I saw “Hamlet,” which was when I was in the seventh grade. To say I was hopelessly lost and confused throughout does not do justice to my ignorance.

It was at the Old Vic Theatre in London, and my one lasting impression is when my father dragged my little brother out part way through the show. After Hamlet (played by Albert Finney) gave a long speech, he bent to kiss Ophelia’s hand and, as he pulled back, a long spittle of drool hung between his mouth and her hand. My brother, like any respectable third-grade boy would, burst out, “Ew! Gross!” While I giggled, the British theatergoers around us were not amused. At all.

I used to think if I had seen the play again after being assigned to study it in my high school lit class, I would have been more engaged. However, since it has been numerous decades since high school (no, no need to count exactly how many decades, thank you very much…) I was glad to have a chance to talk to the director before seeing this performance. And Michael came through, leaving me more than ready to fully enjoy the play.