In an unexpected twist, two actors found a fresh way to keep Shakespeare alive during the Covid lockdown – by staging Hamlet in the virtual world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA).
UK-based actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, unable to perform due to theatre closures, turned to online gaming as a creative outlet.
Their avatars stumbled upon an abandoned amphitheatre called Vinewood Bowl within GTA’s Los Santos, and a new idea was born. Could they bring the classic tragedy to life in this virtual world? The answer was a resounding yes.
Grand Theft Hamlet was born – the first-ever virtual performance of Hamlet, taking place within the chaotic, crime-ridden streets of GTA.
In this reimagined version, Crane’s character, playing Hamlet, must navigate not only the play’s iconic plot but also the violent environment of the game. And, true to GTA’s nature, chaos ensues.
Filmmaker Pinny Grylls, Crane’s wife, documented the entire process. The result was a film called Grand Theft Hamlet, shot entirely in-game, showing the actors’ avatars, controlled by themselves, as they attempted to cast and produce the play.
The film showcases both the challenges and creative solutions they discovered while trying to perform in a world filled with anarchic gamers and unpredictable events.
The production had its share of bizarre moments. From auditions where Crane’s character begged avatars not to kill each other to a fighter jet being flown by a glowing green alien to save the cast mid-performance, the project was as unpredictable as the game itself.
However, despite the virtual chaos, the actors found solace and emotional catharsis, using the game as a way to connect with others during a time of isolation.
Grand Theft Hamlet captures not only the humor of the situation but also explores the deeper emotional struggles of the cast. From dealing with isolation and loss to questioning the value of their art, the documentary portrays the resilience of creative expression in the face of adversity.
The project has been praised for its innovative emotional depth, with reviews noting how it redefines traditional theatre by using gaming as a medium for creative expression.
Since its release, Grand Theft Hamlet has won multiple awards, including the Raindance Maverick award, and has been screened at prestigious festivals like the BFI London Film Festival. The documentary will be available for streaming on Mubi in early 2025.
As virtual worlds continue to gain popularity, this project proves that the boundaries of art and performance can extend far beyond the traditional stage.
