National Theatre's Hamlet Features First Asian Lead Amid Mixed Reviews

The National Theatre's 2025 production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," directed by Robert Hastie and starring Hiran Abeysekera, marks a significant moment under the leadership of Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham. Abeysekera, the first Asian actor to play Hamlet at the National Theatre, brings a manic, impulsive energy to the role, suggesting an interpretation of Hamlet with traits akin to ADHD, which informs his mood swings and erratic delivery of soliloquies. The play is set in a grand, palatial dining hall, creating a modern, militarized state atmosphere, although some critics found the set too spacious to convey Elsinore's imprisoning nature fully. While the production is praised for its slick pace and novel ideas, it has been criticized for rushing through key speeches, leading to a loss of lyrical beauty and psychological depth, resulting in an uneven overall impact. The ensemble cast, including Alistair Petrie as Claudius and Ayesha Dharker as Gertrude, adds complexity to the narrative, with subtle revelations and spirited performances, though the production feels more like an artistic exploration than a definitive Hamlet rendition. This staging reflects the National Theatre's commitment to diversity and modern reinterpretation, but it has received mixed reviews, with some longing for a more profound emotional resonance.