Clouds of Hamlet

Performance by Odin Teatret directed by Eugenia Barby

Eugenio Barba reads “Hamlet” through a biography of Shakespeare. In 1596, at the age of eleven, the playwright's only son, Hamnet, dies, away from his father, who performs in London theaters. Five years later, Shakespeare's father dies. It was during his period of mourning that he wrote “The Tragic Story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”. About what connects Hamnet with Hamlet (in the irregular spelling of those times, the names Hamnet and Hamlet were used interchangeably), many scholarly books have been written. In this story, Barbara is most interested in the ambivalent father-son relationship and the question of inheritance: traditions, obligations, traumas. The director places Shakespeare's play in a modern world marked by wars, migrations and climate catastrophe. He asks what kind of inheritance we have received from our fathers, and wonders what we will pass on to our children. The show is dedicated to “Hamnet and young people without a future.”

Text: Eugenio Barba and excerpts from William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” Dramaturgy and direction: Eugenio Barba Starring: Antonia Cioază, Else Marie Laukvik, Jakob Nielsen, Rina Skeel, Ulrik Skeel, Julia Varley Light direction, video and poster: Stefano Di Budoo Film consultation: Claudio Coloberti Doll: Fabio Butera Costumes: Odin Teatret Stage architecture: Odin Teatret Technical director: Knud Erik Knudsen Assistant directors: Gregorio Amicuzi and Julia Varley Production: Odin Teatret (Denmark), Théâtre du Soleil (France), Emilia Romagna, Teatro and Tieffe Teatro Milano (Italy) Premiere: October 10, 2024