The audio CD this edition of Hamlet contains a series of unique
recordings to illustrate how different actors place their own
interpretation on the play. Hear Sir Laurence Olivier as Hamlet in 1948
and compare this to Simon Russell Beale’s performance in 2003. There
are also superb performances from Ellen Terry, John Barrymore, Richard
Burton and Emma Fielding.
The text is illustrated throughout with photographs from notable
productions, including Kenneth Branagh's 1996 film and Michael
Almereyda's 2000 version, Simon Russell Beale in New York City and
Roger Rees at the Royal Shakespeare Company. The book also takes you
behind the scenes with reproductions of set drawings, costume designs
and scene edits, including drawings from a 1934 production directed by
Sir John Gielgud.
As well as the playtext, there are articles covering a range of topics
including ‘In Production: Hamlet through the Years’ by Terri Bourus,
‘Hamlet in Popular Culture’ by Douglas Lanier, ‘A Voice Coach’s
Perspective on Speaking Shakespeare’ by Andrew Wade and ‘In the Age of
Shakespeare’ by Thomas Garvey. The Sourcebooks Shakespeare Hamlet is an
invaluable tool for students of all ages from GCSE to A Level and
beyond.
About the Author(s)
David Bevington is the Phyllis Fay Horton Distinguished Service Professor in the Humanities at the University of Chicago. Peter Holland is the McMeel Family Chair in Shakespeare Studies at the University of Notre Dame.