Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

Pictured below, is my signed playbill from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. I had the opportunity to see this play at The Old Vic theatre in London. After the performance, I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Radcliffe and having a conversation with him that I am sure will leave me inspired for a long time. (As a Harry Potter fan, I was proud of myself for not fangirling when we chatted). I really enjoyed the play and thought I could share my thoughts on it.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play by Tom Stoppard. Stoppard is a playwright and screenwriter that has an impressive collection of works. His works typically delve into complicated topics that really leave an impression. Stoppard is known for grappling with philosophy in his pieces as well as eloquently executing them. When he writes, his words really come to life. Someone once told me I should read his plays and have since admired his work.

The play first premiered in 1966 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in 1967 it was staged at the National Theatre in London. Following its success, the play moved to Broadway where it won best play at the Tony Awards in 1968.

This specific play follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters from the Shakespeare play Hamlet. It features them backstage during the action of Hamlet and explores an interesting theme of identity. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern pass a lot of their time between their Hamlet appearances flipping coins to test luck and playing various word games. Both men are uncertain of their identities and confused about life. Rosencrantz is simpler and anxious. He tends to take on a follower role with Guildenstern being his leader. He asks questions about death and its meaning. In contrast, Guildenstern is curious and constantly contemplating larger, philosophical questions. He questions his inability to remember his past and thinks about the consequences of actions.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a perfect blend of comedy and tragedy. It is categorized as an absurdist existentialist play. In the production I saw, Daniel Radcliffe played Rosencrantz and Joshua McGuire portrayed Guildenstern. Both actors performed superbly and encapsulated their characters beautifully. They executed the contrasting personalities well and had an effortless chemistry. The duo was supported by a great cast and delivered a stunning performance that left me both speechless and thoughtful.  David Haig portrayed the Player, a travelling actor that often-crossed paths with the duo. Haig did a marvelous job in being witty and confident about life’s path and meaning. He provided a lot of great comical moments to the play.

Being able to witness such a rich play was one of the highlights of my time in London. I had not really heard of the play prior to seeing it but I highly recommend reading it if absurdist plays interest you.