Would you go see a nude production of 'Hamlet'?

[matchrestore]

Or an all nude theatre production in general? A theatre company, Torn Out Theatre, is producing an all-male, all-nude version of the Shakespeare Classic Hamlet. Last year they produced an all-female, all-nude production of Shakespeare's Tempest. In their press release, general manager Diana Levy said "He's defying society and its hypocrisy. In a world filled with lies, being naked may be the only way to be honest.

The production is legal under New York penal codes, even though its being produced in a public park. The photo below is from Torn Out's production of Tempest:

[dangerDoge]

I would say no, because I actually like the clothing and appropriate attire that comes with the plays like Hamlet. Clothing is kind of like the backdrop or set or props-- it sets the mood. It creates the fantasy world/scenario. A cast in t-shirts and jeans is going to give off a different feel than a cast in clothing one would find on Elizabethan men/women. Likewise, nudity would give off a whole different feel too. I feel like making it all nude wouldn't contribute to the play. Regardless of what Levy said in the press release, it just seems like controversial-ness without purpose. Like an attempt to be different gone too far.

Controversial ideas don't necessarily equal better. If that was the case, this would probably be brilliant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbuluDBHpfQ

The modern art video is bizarre, defies societal norms, and I'd also label it as controversial. But it just seems kind of ridiculous in a very negative way also lol

It's not a perfect comparison, but I would equate the nude cast to if they took a version of a classic Shakespeare play and translated all the words into a more modern kind of style (... like that found in the "no fear, shakespeare" stuff). It would change the feel of the set. In this instance, it may be easier to understand, but it would also undermine the feeling of the original material. It would take away some of the magic and just feel wrong.

So no-- regardless of whether or not I care about seeing nude people, I wouldn't see it just because I think it is a negative addition/change to the play. I would rather go to somewhere else and see a play like Hamlet with full attire. On a side note though, I also can't say I want to be seeing random nude people throughout however long the play is.

I'll take a hard pass on that. If someone sees it and thinks it contributes to the material, go for it... but I don't see it.

[MysteriousDarkness]

I love nudity but I do agree that it takes away some of the feeling of the play.

[martyfellow]

It wouldn't seem weird once you've been in nudist resorts or on nudist beaches.

Though it would be harder to stage the sword fights. Nowhere to hide the fake blood!

[matchrestore]

Let's also hope they don't need to use wireless microphones.

[nerms123]

Yeah, I think it would be entertaining. I've been to a nudist resort before and it's definitely interesting. However, it might be a lot harder to keep track of the characters!

[matchrestore]

No costumes means their acting has to be that much more convincing.

[Thebestyoucan]

I've been to a lot of nudist resorts but I've never seen a nude play, which I find odd now that I think of it.

[MlleCake]

Maybe. I'm just not sure I want to see another production of Hamlet. I'm ready for As You Like It or Midsummer Night's Dream right now.

[matchrestore]

I'm with you on the "another Production of Hamlet" thing. I would have loved to see their "Tempest" though.

[karahiri]

No. The nudity would distract me from the actual acting

[Riclo]

I would go, cause I support naturist and I just think it feels nice to be naked. Problem is society regard it as taboo cause fear of men's uncontrollable urge towards sex. But I don't think all men are like that.

[dnbfilmmaker94]

Yes! I'm gonna be honest here. I wish the world didn't have a clothing law. It does because authoritarian leaders control us and tell us what to do. What to wear and all that nonsense.

A human body is normal and beautiful. it shouldn't be hidden

[MysteriousDarkness]

There are places a smart person would not want to be naked. For example anywhere that gets cold when it is cold.

[dnbfilmmaker94]

I agree

[Justinaveragedude]

I am not a big fan of Hamlet, so no. Tempest, midsummer nights dream, Othello, King Lear or 12th night would be good though. I do not care if it is all male or female. I just would want a shown want to see.

[fauchelevent]

Meh, I suppose but it's not really something I actively wanna do.

[Thebestyoucan]

Why not? I wouldn't go out of my way but I'd see it if the opportunity presented itself just to see if doing it nude causes the experience to be any different.

[MysteriousDarkness]

Nudity would not add to the play. It would not have people fully immersed in the time period.

[matchrestore]

There are plenty of productions of Shakespeare that shift time and setting without the nudity, do you dislike those as well?

[Warmapplecrumble]

Yeah I would love to ♥

[Boorene]

Probably once for the experience

[lazermazer]

It would be fun to watch haha

[catelyntje]

Gosh no

[matchrestore]

I'm just curious, why not?

[catelyntje]

I don't wanne look at naked people the whole time

[lonely12]

Sure I Would ask for a role

[Whatthefluff]

Too weird for me lol

[CheerGirl38139]

Sure!

[Dred1614returns]

Hell no

[matchrestore]

Why not?

[Dred1614returns]

I'm not a fan of nudity.

[Blondeandfree]

Absolutely

[evenlift]

Only if they let me fap.

[regbarclay]

Who wouldn't? 👍

[adamski24]

I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare

[Ladyslipper]

Yeah

[sammyboybd]

It would be fun