Ur-Hamlet in Elsinore.

4-13 Aug 2006. Hamlet comes to Kronborg Castle in Elsinore in Odin Teatrets staging of Ur-Hamlet directed by Eugenio Barba. A spectacular mise-en-scene integrates multi-cultural traditional and classical theatre forms such as Noh theatre, Gambuh and Condombl, with around 50 stage artists, musicians and dancers from Bali, Japan, China, Brazil and Europe performing in the courtyard of the Renaissance Kronborg castle. Based on the legendary tale of Amlethus written by medieval monk, Saxo Grammaticus, Barbas evocation focuses on internal conflict and the struggle for power, with Denmark threatened from without its borders. Shakespeares Hamlet was inspired by the same tale, and while Ur-Hamlet also puts on the mask of madness as a strategy to survive and defeat his enemies, other similarities with the melancholy prince are few. Live music and torchlight highlight the historic setting. Note. Doors close at 21.00 sharp. Latecomers will only be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. Admission Dkk235 under-25s Dkk118. Performances start at 21.00 daily. No performance Mon.

Photo Tony DUrso