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KS4 KS5

Hamlet - Shakespeare - education resource

Drama English Performing Arts
Actor Rory Kinnear laughing whilst lying in a suitcase, a production image from the 2010 National Theatre production of Hamlet

Overview

These video resources use production clips alongside interviews with Rory Kinnear and director Sir Nicholas Hytner to explore creative aspects of the National Theatre’s production of Hamlet in 2010.

Learning outcomes

These films are designed to support students studying Hamlet for A Level English Literature, with a particular focus on character, context and interpretation.

Watch

A production image from 'Hamlet' at the National Theatre in 2010 featuring Rory Kinnear in the title role holding a skull
Play Video

Hamlet: A Character Study

Actor Rory Kinnear (Hamlet) and director Sir Nicholas Hytner discuss the character of Hamlet, his relationships with other characters and his relationship with the audience.

Two people wearing matching black t-shirts sit together, looking the same way. Their expressions are engaged and serious.
Play Video

Hamlet: Truth and Performance

Director Sir Nicholas Hytner explains how he approached the themes of truth and performance in his 2010 production.

Production information

Olivier Theatre, 2010.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare; directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner; design by Vicki Mortimer; sound design by Paul Groothuis; choreography by Fin Walker, fight direction by Kate Waters.

Photo © Johan Persson

The full production is available to stream on the National Theatre Collection

Suitability

Suitable for 16+/KS5+

Keywords

Shakespeare, Character, Nicholas Hytner, Rory Kinnear, A Level English, A Level Drama and Theatre, OCR, AQA, Pearson Edexcel

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