Review: Hamlet

Sampo


Theatre. Perhaps director Kari Heiskanen stepped into a supermarket, was charmed and shouted: that, that and that. The flow of references from a man who has read is flowing in Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the Helsinki City Theatre. Images, time, music intersect: from pop culture to Ceausescu’s last moments, from comedy to convulsive drama.

Eero Ahon Hamlet is a fierce, crazy cockerel, worthy of bravo shouts. Esko Salminen Claudiusa gives up herself, her voice, almost her gender. His archvillain is a sleazy monster, an aged Brando. Salminen, who usually seduces with affection and strength, wins with his fragility.