Setting

The set for Hamlet is supposed to be Elsinore Castle in Denmark.

This is the real castle where Hamlet lived and where the story takes place.

The set on stage needs to be royal, yet drab and dark to set the mood. Everything should be shades of grey to be melancholy, simple, symbolic and dark. It will also help to make the characters stand out from the background.

The first scene should be particularily dark, because it is nighttime and it is when Hamlet's father returns as a ghost to speak to him

When Hamlet and the other characters are watching a puppet show, it should be in a banquet/ballroom type setting.

The curtains Polonius hides behind need to be bulky and dark enough to conceal him, yet when he moves Hamlet should be able to see the curtains moving.

Ophelia's funeral takes place outside. Everyone should be dressed in black to mourn her, including her and her coffin.

The scenery for her funeral should be dull and drab. Possible rain sound effects so umbrellas, coats and hats can be used.

The fight scene against Hamlet and Laertes should be inside in the same area where they witnessed the show, but the space should be empty except for a chair for Gertrude and Claudius and a small table for the wine goblet. This gives the actors maximum room for stage combat.



Sources Cited

"HAMLET « F I S H I N G." F I S H I N G. Web. 10 Mar. 2011. <http://espliego.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/hamlet/>.