From dodging bullets to delivering soliloquies, these once-jobless actors found new stages in unexpected places.
One unexpected silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the emergence of creative projects blending classic and contemporary art forms. Case in point: Grand Theft Hamlet, an ingenious mashup of Shakespeare's timeless play and the Grand Theft Auto series.
Birthed by two unemployed actors who found the virtual streets of Los Santos as the unconventional stage for their craft, Grand Theft Hamlet, which is precisely what you think it is, will hit US theaters in 2025.
The story begins in January 2021, during the UK's third pandemic lockdown. Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, both actors facing uncertain futures, turned to the violent escapism of Grand Theft Auto Online. Little did they know that their virtual adventures would soon transform into a Shakespearean spectacle.
As they navigated the crime-ridden streets of Los Santos, stealing cars and being virtual degenerates, an unexpected discovery changed everything. Hidden within the game's sprawling map, they stumbled upon a virtual theater. So, they got an idea: why not stage Hamlet within the game?
GTA Online is notorious for its chaotic gameplay, where players are more likely to engage in high-speed chases or shootouts than to appreciate fine arts. However, the actors drew parallels to Shakespeare's own time, when theaters were rowdy, unpredictable venues. They realized that the game's themes of revenge and moral ambiguity aligned perfectly with Hamlet's narrative—if you squint hard enough.
Of course, turning this idea into reality wasn't easy. The duo faced numerous challenges, from coordinating with other players to avoiding the constant threat of virtual violence. They spent over 300 hours in the game, meticulously planning and executing their performances while dodging rocket fire and evading trigger-happy gamers.
The resulting documentary captures this surreal blend of high culture and digital anarchy, showcasing the actors' determination as they attempt to deliver Shakespearean soliloquies amidst exploding cars and flying motorcycles.
The documentary has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the jury award for Documentary Feature at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival. Critics have praised its innovative approach and its ability to find profound meaning in an unexpected place.
Now, Grand Theft Hamlet will get an opportunity to reach a wider audience. The art house distributor, Mubi, known for championing unique and thought-provoking films, has acquired the US theatrical rights and global streaming rights.
As virtual spaces increasingly become venues for social interaction and artistic expression, Grand Theft Hamlet offers a glimpse into the potential future of theater and performance art. The film serves as a fascinating exploration of the Grand Theft Auto universe itself. It reveals the hidden depths and unexpected possibilities within a game often dismissed by critics and mainstream media as merely violent or controversial.
By repurposing the game's open world as a stage for high art, the filmmakers invite everyone, including those who see GTA in a different light, to reconsider their perceived notions about GTA and the overall cultural value of video games.
If nothing else, Grand Theft Hamlet gives GTA fans at least two things to look forward to next year. The other one is, of course, Grand Theft Auto 6, which is still set to come out in late 2025, as per Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick. But it's possible that we'll get more official details about GTA 6 some time within the next two months.
