Unconventional HAMLET at Glyndebourne Set To Go On Tour

Independent.co.uk reports that Glydenbourne's adaptation of HAMLET is set to go on tour. It was created by composer Brett Dean and librettist Matthew Jocelyn.

This adaptation of HAMLET is unconventional, as the percussion uses everything from a frying pan to plastic bottles and sandpaper to enhance the effect of the ghost. The chorus not only utilizes the stage, but also sections of the audience during the performance.

Composer Brett Dean said of the percussion effects, "They have this inherent otherworldliness - take a tam-tam and stroke across the face of it with a hard rubber ball and it's one of the most chilling and disconcertingly beautiful sounds imaginable."

This is not the first time the Glyndebourne opera has modernized a classic piece. In 1990 Peter Sellar's production of "The Magic Flute" cut all the dialogue and, "inserted California crazies living rough on the edge of the Freeway." The production received wildly mixed reviews, and was even booed on opening night.

HAMLET tours starting October 21 at the Glyndebourne, then travels to Canterbury, Norwich, Milton Keynes, and Plymouth. For more information about this production click here!