The new documentary Grand Theft Hamlet marks a groundbreaking moment in the world of digital performance. It tells the story of an innovative theatrical production of Hamlet, staged within the popular video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA), which began as an accidental, creative response to the lockdown period. With theatres closed, the creators had decided that the show must go on, adopting a unique performance space to put on Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The documentary is about two actors’ desire to find fulfilment in their art and is testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic innovation. The documentary, which features possibly the first ever theatrical performance of Shakespeare within a video game, tells the story of how Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto was pulled off. A funny and inspiring film, it has garnered awards and critical acclaim for its originality and execution.
First released in 1997, GTA has been a focal point of debates about gaming for nearly three decades. It is often charged with encouraging anti-social behaviour, as the core plot line of the game involves players carrying out missions to rise in the criminal underworld. In GTA’s latest online open world edition, it has also become more of a social game, with players meeting up and enjoying a shared experience.
