Globe Theatre will present "Hamlet" worldwide.
London's Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare performed his work, announced on Tuesday that it will stage "Hamlet" in every country in the world in order to present the Bard's work in English to audiences in some of the most remote places on the planet; the tour begins on April 23, 2014 at the Globe itself, and the last performance will take place exactly one year later, in the same place, marking the fourth centenary of the playwright's death.
LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) London's Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare performed his work, announced on Tuesday that it will stage "Hamlet" in every country in the world in order to present the Bard's work in English to audiences in some of the most remote places on the planet.
The tour will begin on April 23, 2014 at the Globe itself, and the final performance will take place exactly one year later, in the same venue, marking the fourth centenary of the playwright's death.
There is no consensus on the number of countries in the world, but 196 is the most commonly cited number. The Globe says it intends to present the report in approximately 200 states and territories.
Artistic director Dominic Dromgoole said the 12-person cast will begin with "a burst of madness" in Europe, then move on to North America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, performing on beaches, in palaces, and other unusual locations.
The cast will rotate every two months, traveling by boat, train, jeep, and bus, but aiming to minimize air travel. The stage will be small and minimalist.
"We know there's an appetite for Shakespeare out there, and there's a fascination with Shakespeare," Dromgoole told Reuters, noting that some virtually inaccessible places may have access to "an international icon."
This is not the first time the Globe has brought Shakespeare to an international audience. During a six-week festival last year, the company presented 37 of the author's works in 37 languages to 110 people.
This time, the performance will be in English only, but with subtitles.
"The spirit of touring, and of communicating stories to new ears, has always been central to Shakespeare's work. We couldn't be happier to take this mission even further," Dromgoole said in a statement.
The celebrated tragedy "Hamlet" was first staged around 1600, offering a vivid portrayal of madness and the darkest elements of the human psyche.
The Globe Theatre was originally built in London in 1599, but was consumed by fire in 1613. The theatre was rebuilt near its original site, on the banks of the River Thames, and reopened in 1997.
(Reporting by Dasha Afanasieva)