‘Grand Theft Auto’ take on ‘Hamlet’ is coming to cinemas

A performance of Hamlet, shot entirely in the world of Grand Theft Auto, is coming to cinemas and streaming later this year.

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Grand Theft Hamlet is a feature documentary about two out-of-work actors trying to stage a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the “ultra violent world” of Grand Theft Auto Online. The synopsis describes it as an “impossible task”, with the whole of Grand Theft Hamlet shot inside the game.

“It’s ground-breaking and necessary – especially at a time when more and more of our lives (even a cultural artefact as ancient as live theatre) move online. The documentary asks what is this space? How do we use it now and what else is possible inside it? Can we transport this ancient story inside a brand new one? And will it still make sense,” continues the official website.

An innovative, immersive take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, shot entirely inside the world of Grand Theft Auto, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s festival hit GRAND THEFT HAMLET is coming soon to US theaters + streaming globally. pic.twitter.com/6FMYCt5423

— MUBI (@mubi) October 10, 2024

Grand Theft Hamlet was shot during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with the documentary’s Sam and Mark using Grand Theft Auto Online as an escape. ”In one gaming session they stumble across a theatre and have an idea. Why not stage Hamlet inside the game? Well, there are several reasons why not, chiefly that most people in the game are intent on murderous destruction, not polite appreciation of a theatrical production. But wasn’t theatre just as dangerous and rowdy a business in Shakespeare’s time, and isn’t Hamlet, a play about revenge the perfect choice for this place?”

The film aired at SXSW 2024 and won the jury award in the documentary feature category. Now Grand Theft Hamlet is set to be released in cinemas and hit streaming services, via distributor Mubi. Already confirmed are three screenings at this month’s BFI London Film Festival, with more release details set to be shared “soon”.

Last month it was confirmed that Thom Yorke is adapting Radiohead‘s 2003 album ‘Hail To The Thief’ for a new production of Hamlet.

Hamlet Hail To The Thief will premiere next year at Aviva Studios in Manchester on April 27 and will run through May 18 before moving over to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, where it will run from June 4 until June 28.

In other news, Kamala Harris’ election campaign has turned to Twitch and World Of Warcraft.

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