On the 29th of February 2016, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s performers visited Monaco in the Columbus Hotel as part of their “Globe to Globe” goal of performing ‘Hamlet’ in every country in the world over two years. The International School of Monaco, in particular the Year 12 English Literature class, was given the incredible opportunity to watch this performance and be given an unforgettable experience right on our doorstep.

‘Hamlet’ was performed by eight actors constantly changing characters and costumes with two crew members who helped with the live music and changing the set. The play was presented with a simplistic army green backdrop to be used as wings. Lights were shone on the actors and on the audience to give the greatest feeling of being in the open-air Globe Theatre while also providing as much involvement as possible for the audience to feel part of the Shakespeare team during those two hours and forty minutes. This tightly put-together production with smooth scene changes and clear storytelling that is both thrilling and exceptional is a cultural opportunity of a life time; no actor pulls focus when they shouldn’t, the chemistry between the actors is outstanding. The students at ISM particularly enjoyed Phoebe Fildes’ performance as Ophelia becoming mad and Ladi Emeruwa’s talented interpretation of Hamlet throughout the play. All actors contributed to the fullest to make this play a powerful, profound and stimulating experience.

Beatrice Alessi and Tessa Cournoyer, Year 12.

The International School of Monaco