New Hamlet production as dark war parable for humanity
A new production of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' interprets the play as a dark parable on wars and humanity's fragility. The staging, premiering on October 4, 2025, blends classic elements with contemporary references to conflicts. Director Anna Schmidt emphasizes the work's relevance in an uncertain world.
The premiere of the new 'Hamlet' production takes place at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin, marking a milestone in Shakespeare's reception in Germany. Director Anna Schmidt, known for her innovative approaches, has rearranged the play to present it as a warning against the abysses of war. 'Hamlet is not just a tragedy of the individual, but a parable of all humanity in times of conflict,' Schmidt said in an interview with ZEIT. The staging begins with scenes reminiscent of current war reporting, such as explosions and refugee flows, seamlessly transitioning into the Danish court intrigue.
The protagonist Hamlet, portrayed by actor Lukas Berger, is depicted as a torn thinker wavering between revenge and humanity. The plot follows the original: The ghost of the murdered king demands revenge from his son, leading to a chain of deaths. However, Schmidt incorporates modern elements, like projections of news feeds, to draw parallels to global crises. 'In a world shaped by wars, Hamlet shows how hatred and mistrust destroy societies,' the director explains.
The background of the production lies in the ongoing debate about Shakespeare's relevance today. The play, first performed in 1603, has always addressed power, betrayal, and morality. In Germany, 'Hamlet' has a long tradition, with stagings by directors like Heiner Müller. This version, funded by the Berlin Theater Fund, targets a young audience and is offered with subtitles in multiple languages. Critics are already praising the visual aesthetics, which combine darkness with poetic depth.
The implications extend beyond the theater: In times of geopolitical tensions, the production serves as a call for reflection. Schmidt hopes that audiences recognize parallels to real conflicts and engage in dialogue. The run continues until the end of 2025 and has already sold out premieres.