The Hamlet Podcast

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act I, Scene ii - The Danish Court - Claudius responds to Hamlet's grief. Presented by Conor Hanratty

Delve into the complex dynamics of Hamlet's relationships with Claudius and Gertrude. Explore the profound themes of grief and kinship, as Hamlet grapples with his father's death and his mother’s hasty remarriage. Discover Shakespeare's mastery in portraying the clash between appearance and reality, revealing Hamlet's emotional turmoil. This deep dive sheds light on the intricate human experiences woven into the fabric of the narrative.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act I, Scene ii - The Danish Court - King Claudius grants a request from his young courtier, Laertes. Presented by Conor Hanratty

Dive into the complex world of power and diplomacy as King Claudius navigates the intrigues of the Danish court. Explore his ambitious nature and the limited effectiveness of his ambassadors. Unpack themes of leadership dynamics and authority, teasing the arrival of a new character with potential requests for the king. The rich tapestry of politics and personal ambitions sets the stage for unfolding drama.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act I, Scene ii - The Danish Court appears, and we meet the new King. Presented by Conor Hanratty

When we reach the end of each scene of Hamlet, there will be a bonus episode celebrating a particular interpreter of the role or of the play. I cannot imagine starting with anyone but Ninagawa, my hero, whose production of Macbeth will be at the Barbican this week. 先生、ありがとう。

Dive into the chilling atmosphere of Hamlet's battlements as Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo confront a ghostly figure. Explore the profound symbolism of the rooster's crow at Christmas, reflecting themes of peace and connection. Unravel the astrological influences that align with the narrative, enriching our understanding of Horatio. Witness the elegance of Shakespeare's imagery depicting dawn, symbolizing the clash between tranquility and chaos. Anticipate the rise of young Hamlet amidst eerie supernatural hints and the shadow of political uncertainty.

Delve into the haunting world of Shakespeare as fear and bravery intertwine in darkened Denmark. Explore the eerie encounter with a ghost and unravel the deep symbolism of the crowing rooster that heralds the dawn. Discover how language evolves and the historical context influences characters' reactions to the supernatural. Witness a pivotal moment for Horatio and the soldiers as they confront the complexities of myth and reality, celebrating the tension between fear and rational thought.

Dive into the intricate political dynamics of Denmark in Hamlet, exploring threats from Norway and the ghostly visit that shakes the kingdom. Discover how Shakespeare weaves historical and literary allusions into the fabric of fate, mortality, and spectral imagery. Tension escalates as Horatio grapples with omens and pleads with the restless spirit of the king, setting the stage for intense revelations. Join the conversation around the intersection of the living and the supernatural in a play that haunts even today.

Dive into the rich historical backdrop of King Hamlet's victory over Fortenbras and its implications for land ownership. Explore the battle between generations as Young Fortinbras aims to reclaim lost territories, contrasted with the haunting presence of Old Hamlet's ghost. The podcast also examines Denmark's military readiness through Horatio's insights, revealing deeper themes of ambition and conflict while highlighting Shakespeare's masterful language.