HAMLET – Who`s there?

The quest for identity, meaning and purpose

It is a healthy tendency of young people to question the world around them with fresh eyes. Just because generations before them have decided upon a certain course of action, doesn’t mean our young people have to agree. Nowhere is this more famously explored than in Shakespeare’s play of Hamlet.

After the murder of his father, Hamlet is confronted with some of life`s most painful and, at times, complex questions.

At his best, he challenges much of what we take for granted; much like the great moral philosophers. At his most destructive, he damages all who attempt to help him and who genuinely care for his wellbeing. His own anger blinds him to the best intentions of friends. He swings wildly between brilliant insight and paralyzing self pity. This is a dilemma not unknown to many in adolescence.

The course works with the play to encourage the development of penetrative and insightful young minds – honouring honesty and fresh perspective – while encouraging students to be positive and supportive contributors to the world they see around them. Participants will gain a detailed knowledge of the play, with experienced professional actors on hand to interpret and translate the play’s great speeches and scenes, while exploring its themes in a context that clearly links them to the times in which they live.

Towards the end of Shakespeare’s great story, Hamlet finds some peace in acceptance of that which can be changed and that which is too complex for any one person to comprehend fully.

“There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow……the readiness is all. Since no man of aught he leaves knows, what is`t to leave betimes? Let be.”

Sadly, for Hamlet, this revelation comes all too late. For our young people, the journey is largely just beginning.

Ideally recommended for Years 12-13 (17-18 year olds).

  • "Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime opportunity and I really hope he can come back again and maybe everybody will have the opportunity to listen to his life-changing talk."

    Student Testimonial KGV School, Hong Kong
  • "An incredible and inspirational talk on the importance of being a leader"

    Student Testimonial KGV School, Hong Kong