Radiohead’s pivotal, politically charged 2003 album, Hail to the Thief, is set to make a Shakespearean debut on stage next spring. Thom Yorke will be adapting the album for a new production of Hamlet titled Hamlet Hail to the Thief. This unique show will combine William Shakespeare’s text with the reworked and orchestrated songs from Hail to the Thief, performed by a cast of 20 musicians and actors.
Adaptation and Production
Hamlet Hail to the Thief was adapted by director Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones, with arrangements by Justin Levine. The production promises to blend movement, theater, and music into a fresh interpretation of the classic play. The reimagined setting of Elsinore as a dystopian surveillance state adds a modern twist to the tale of Prince Hamlet and Ophelia, plagued by paranoia and corruption.
Thom Yorke’s Perspective
In a statement, Yorke expressed his excitement and apprehension about the project. He described the challenge of adapting the original music of Hail to The Thief for live performance, intertwining it with the actors on stage to convey the timeless story of Hamlet. Yorke aims to use the music to enhance the underlying themes of grief and paranoia in the play, creating a haunting presence that interacts with the action and text.
Christine Jones’ Insight
Jones shared her inspiration for the project, citing the profound impact of Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief album on her. She noticed striking parallels between the album’s lyrics and the themes of Hamlet, sparking the idea to merge the two in a theatrical production. The collaboration with Yorke and Hoggett allowed her to explore the connections between the play and the music, delving into the shared themes of internal turmoil and societal critique.
Integration of Text and Music
The synergy between Hamlet and Hail to the Thief is evident in the production, where the play influences the album and vice versa. Both mediums delve into the complexities of despair and disillusionment, urging the audience to question established power structures and moral dilemmas. Through a blend of Shakespearean drama and Radiohead’s music, the production aims to provoke introspection and contemplation.
FAQs
Q: When will Hamlet Hail to the Thief premiere?
A: The new production of Hamlet Hail to the Thief is scheduled to debut next spring, offering a unique fusion of Shakespearean drama and Radiohead’s music.
Q: Who is involved in the adaptation of Hamlet Hail to the Thief?
A: Director Steven Hoggett, Christine Jones, and Thom Yorke are collaborating on the adaptation, with arrangements by Justin Levine to bring this innovative production to life.
Q: What themes are explored in the production of Hamlet Hail to the Thief?
A: The production delves into themes of paranoia, corruption, grief, and societal critique, drawing parallels between the timeless story of Hamlet and the politically charged music of Hail to the Thief.
Credit: pitchfork.com
