Chapter 2. Performing Writing: Hamlet
Published Online: 15 JAN 2010
DOI: 10.1002/9781444317374.ch2
Copyright © 2010 W. B. Worthen
Book Title
Drama: Between Poetry and Performance
Additional Information
How to Cite
Worthen, W. B. (2010) Performing Writing: Hamlet, in Drama: Between Poetry and Performance, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781444317374.ch2
Publication History
- Published Online: 15 JAN 2010
- Published Print: 18 DEC 2009
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9781405153416
Online ISBN: 9781444317374
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- performing writing - Hamlet;
- Gertrude spies Hamlet “sadly” reading on a book - reading itself, the sign of his wretchedness;
- books figuring prominently in the action of Hamlet;
- beyond material writing, imagery of literate culture suffusing the play;
- books and writing - essential metaphor for consciousness and character;
- Hamlet's Book - Playing the book, Hamlet's book a striking prop;
- Playing the book - also opens Hamlet's extended meditation on dramatic theatre;
- in Hamlet, delivering a scripted speech - constraint of performing writing leading to inauthenticity;
- corrupt stuff or, doing things with (old) words;
- Wooster Group Hamlet - transformation of cultural traditions, rituals of dramatic theatre – by digital technologies
Summary
This chapter contains sections titled:
Hamlet's Book
Corrupt Stuff; or, Doing Things with (Old) Words
“OK, we can skip to the book”: The Wooster Group Hamlet