Shakespeare Meets Warzone: Ukrainian Soldiers Embrace ‘Hamlet’ Amidst Conflict

May 25, 2025

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/05/the-hamlet-syndrome-review-soldiers-turn-to-shakespeare-as-ukrainians-deal-with-the-war

The Role of Art During War

What purpose does art serve in the midst of conflict? Filmed just months before the outbreak of Russia’s extensive military assault on Ukraine in 2022, the documentary by Elwira Niewiera and Piotr Rosołowski delves into this complex issue with profound personal insight. The movie features a distinct version of Hamlet, showcasing a diverse group of Ukrainian actors whose emotional outpourings on stage serve as both a personal release and a form of artistic expression.

In this documentary, behind-the-scenes footage of the rehearsals is interlaced with personal stories from the cast. Several of the actors, such as Slavik and Katia, are soldiers who have directly experienced the brutalities and traumas of war, including captivity. Roman, originally a professional actor, finds himself on the front lines as a medic, a role he is neither emotionally nor professionally prepared for. As these actors confront their own psychological battles, the stage becomes a place for mutual understanding and healing. Coming from a traditionally conservative area, Slavik experiences a transformation in his views after working with Rodion, who bravely weaves his challenges as a queer individual into his acting. Furthermore, Oksana, a feminist performer, initiates critical discussions regarding the role of women in Ukrainian culture.

Artistic Expression and National Identity

The diverging viewpoints among the actors are not only expressed through intense discussions but also through the art of dramaturgy. The film highlights the importance of collaborative performance, suggesting that true unity can only be reached through inclusive dialogue rather than by forcibly merging different viewpoints. The documentary ends on a poignant note: with the majority of the cast summoned for military service, the possibility for such creative endeavors seems increasingly remote.

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The Hamlet Syndrome will be available on True Story from May 9.

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