News
September 07, 2025
Riz Ahmed’s ‘Hamlet’: “Stories Like These, They Belong to Everyone”
The Oscar winner discusses reimagining Shakespeare through a modern South Asian lens — where ancestral spirits and corporate greed haunt the streets of London: "It's a timeless story."
Riz Ahmed, the acclaimed actor and Oscar winner, is diving headfirst into a bold new interpretation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, "Hamlet," bringing a fresh, modern perspective steeped in South Asian culture to the timeless tale of revenge and existential questioning. Ahmed, known for his captivating performances in films like "Sound of Metal" and "Nightcrawler," is not simply reciting lines; he's reimagining the entire landscape of Elsinore, transplanting the Danish court to the vibrant, complex streets of contemporary London.
For Ahmed, this isn't just another acting role; it's a deeply personal exploration of themes that resonate across cultures and generations. "Stories like these, they belong to everyone," he emphasizes, highlighting the universal appeal of Shakespeare's work. This modern "Hamlet" promises to be a powerful commentary on family, power, and the corrosive influence of corruption, all filtered through the lens of South Asian heritage.
The reimagining introduces a unique element: the haunting presence of ancestral spirits, intertwined with the cold, calculating world of corporate greed. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension, highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity, spirituality and ambition. Ahmed's "Hamlet" grapples with the weight of the past while navigating the treacherous landscape of the present.
He believes that the core themes of "Hamlet" – grief, betrayal, and the search for meaning – remain profoundly relevant today. By infusing the play with South Asian cultural elements, he hopes to make the story more accessible and relatable to a wider audience, particularly those who may not typically engage with Shakespearean drama.
This isn't about simply updating the costumes or setting; it's about excavating the emotional core of the play and revealing its enduring power. Ahmed’s vision promises a "Hamlet" that is both familiar and strikingly new, a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words and the boundless potential of artistic interpretation. He hopes to spark a conversation, bridging cultural divides and reminding us that, at its heart, "Hamlet" is a timeless story of human struggle and resilience.
For Ahmed, this isn't just another acting role; it's a deeply personal exploration of themes that resonate across cultures and generations. "Stories like these, they belong to everyone," he emphasizes, highlighting the universal appeal of Shakespeare's work. This modern "Hamlet" promises to be a powerful commentary on family, power, and the corrosive influence of corruption, all filtered through the lens of South Asian heritage.
The reimagining introduces a unique element: the haunting presence of ancestral spirits, intertwined with the cold, calculating world of corporate greed. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension, highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity, spirituality and ambition. Ahmed's "Hamlet" grapples with the weight of the past while navigating the treacherous landscape of the present.
He believes that the core themes of "Hamlet" – grief, betrayal, and the search for meaning – remain profoundly relevant today. By infusing the play with South Asian cultural elements, he hopes to make the story more accessible and relatable to a wider audience, particularly those who may not typically engage with Shakespearean drama.
This isn't about simply updating the costumes or setting; it's about excavating the emotional core of the play and revealing its enduring power. Ahmed’s vision promises a "Hamlet" that is both familiar and strikingly new, a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words and the boundless potential of artistic interpretation. He hopes to spark a conversation, bridging cultural divides and reminding us that, at its heart, "Hamlet" is a timeless story of human struggle and resilience.
Category:
Politics