Hamlet

This module offered an exciting opportunity to engage in a speculative design project for the classic play ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare, envisioned for the Waverley Studio Theatre. The project was split into two parts:

Set design
Costume design

Over the course of the module, we will delved into Shakespeare’s work, exploring its enduring themes, historical context, and contemporary relevance.

In the first part, we read the text of ‘Hamlet’, uncovering its layers of meaning and thematic richness to inspire and guide our creative process. We explored the historical context of the play, as well as its resonance with modern audiences.

We developed our set design skills through scale model-making, constructing a 1:25 model box that brings our creative vision to life. Alongside this, we documented our process and decisions in a detailed A4 sketchbook.

As the semester progressed, we moved to costume design. We build on our previous research of ‘Hamlet’ to create nine costume designs for the play's principal characters. These designs should reflect our understanding of the play’s characters, themes, and contemporary interpretation, ensuring that they complement the set design and enhance the storytelling.

This project offered a unique platform to explore how a timeless work. ‘Hamlet’ can be reimagined for modern audiences, blending historical insight with innovative design. It was an opportunity to refine our skills as a designer while engaging deeply with one of the most celebrated texts in literary history.

My Version

Industrial Revolution

The Stage Design

The performance

Costumes

Shows

Research

Setting ‘Hamlet’ during the Industrial Revolution offers rich thematic and visual opportunities, aligning the existential struggles of the play with a period of rapid societal and technological transformation.

COMPARING THE TWO:

Themes of transition and uncertainty

The play captures a moment of upheaval in Denmark, with the old order (King Hamlet) replaced by a corrupt and uncertain new regime (Claudius). Hamlet himself grapples with existential questions about life, death, and moral ambiguity.

This era marked a significant shift from agrarian societies to industrialised urban centres. Traditional ways of life were upended, and people faced uncertainty about the future, akin to Hamlet's own disorientation.

Modern society experiences similar transitions with rapid technological advancements (e.g., AI, climate change), which provoke questions about identity, purpose, and morality.

Exploitation and power dynamics

Claudius' usurpation of power through deceit and murder mirrors the exploitation and moral compromises often seen in the Industrial Revolution.

The rise of capitalism brought wealth to the few but led to widespread exploitation of workers, creating stark class divides. This parallels Hamlet's struggle against a corrupt authority figure.

The enduring tension between power and justice is still a central concern in modern politics and economics.

Alienation and isolation

The protagonist’s introspection and alienation echo the loneliness of individuals navigating rapid societal changes.

Workers were often alienated from the products of their labor, families were fractured by urban migration, and traditional communities dissolved.

This reflects the digital age, where despite increased connectivity, people often report feeling isolated and disconnected.

RELEVANCE TO THE MODERN DAY

Economic inequality

The Industrial Revolution saw the rise of capitalist structures that created massive wealth gaps and themes that resonates with today’s economic disparities

Environmental crisis

The pollution and environmental degradation of the era foreshadows contemporary climate change challenges turning into the place meditation on decay and corruption

Technological transformation

Hamlet's introspection and paralysis mirror today's anxieties over the implications of rapid technological change

Process Evaluation

Learning to create a 1:25 scale design has been a valuable experience, equipping me with essential skills for future set design projects. This module has emphasised the importance of precision, detail, and creativity in model making, pushing me to refine my craft and see the world through a more observant lens.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve taken from this experience is the importance of layering in creating realistic set pieces. Each element, even something as seemingly simple as a door, requires meticulous attention to detail. I learned that a door can consist of up to five layers, each contributing to its functionality and appearance. These layers are not just for aesthetic purposes but also allow practical features, such as enabling the door to move like a real hinge when masking tape is carefully placed between them. This was an eye-opener, as it underscored how thoughtful design, and structural planning can bring a model to life.

Another crucial aspect I discovered was the transformative power of paint. Using multiple layers of paint—whether applied heavily or lightly—can significantly enhance the realism of a model. For instance, a single colour can make a piece of furniture, such as a desk or a set of drawers, appear flat and lifeless. However, by incorporating multiple shades, I could mimic the effects of light and shadow, adding depth and dimension. Observing how shadows interact with objects in real life helped me understand where to apply highlights and darker tones, making my models more visually convincing.

Despite these rewarding aspects, I met challenges along the way. One of the most difficult tasks was creating thick, functional doors with foam board. While I needed them to be sturdy, cutting out delicate panels for glass panes proved tricky. Foam board, though versatile, can become fragile around the edges, which made this process particularly frustrating. In some instances, I accidentally damaged the doors, but these setbacks taught me the value of patience and the need to adapt my techniques.

For this project, I chose to model a section of the Waverley building, an architectural gem with its blend of old and new elements. Its intricate details provided both inspiration and challenge. While the complexity of this area was daunting for my first attempt at scale modelling, it was also deeply rewarding. The building’s visual appeal motivated me to push my limits, and it heightened my appreciation for observing and replicating real-world structures.

This project has significantly improved my observational skills. I’ve become more attuned to the subtle details in everyday objects. For example, I now notice nuances such as chips in plastic fire signs, scratches, or discolouration from sun exposure. These small imperfections contribute to the authenticity of a design and add character to a model.

Overall, this module has been an enriching journey. It has not only developed my technical abilities but also deepened my understanding of the world around me. I’ve enjoyed challenging myself and look forward to applying these skills in future projects, hopefully tackling even more intricate designs.