Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

"He was not of an age, but for all time!" (Ben Jonson's To The Memory of My Beloved Master William Shakespeare, And What He Hath Left Us)

With 3,924 lines, Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play. It is also one of his greatest. Many have called it the greatest play in the English language. With so many lines and its reputation, Hamlet can be intimidating play to read for the first time, and perhaps more challenging for an actor to perform.

I think a great way to tackle this play is to look at the plays soliloquies. The soliloquies can tell us a lot about what is going on in the play and what Hamlet is thinking.

For some expert assistance and advice, we met with actor Michael Cumpsty in New York. Michael had the chance to take on the role of Hamlet for Classic Stage Company's production.

Whether you just watch Michael's work, or you decide to read the whole play after listening to Michael speak Shakespeare's words, I am sure that you will find this great play a bit easier to understand. Hamlet is a play that speaks to all ages and all cultures. This is what Ben Jonson meant in the tribute to his friend.

"The play IS the thing",

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