Hamlet

This is a Hamlet acted in rehearsal clothes, stripped of all extraneous trappings, so the beauty of the language and imagery could shine through unencumbered by an elaborate reconstruction of any particular historical period. This performance is conceived as a final-run-through as actors call it. When a play has been thoroughly prepared, there is always a full final rehearsal of the text and action played straight through, without interruption from the director. Properties or substitutes are provided for the actors, but the costumes, scenery and lighting are yet to be added. It often happens, however, that these final adjuncts, however beautiful, may cramp the players' imagination and detract from the poetic imagery of Shakespeare's text. --Sir John Gielgud.