Most Seeming Virtuous Queen

Most Seeming Virtuous Queen is an adaptation of Hamlet in verse, focusing on the interactions we don’t get to see in Shakespeare’s text, teasing out the thread of the theory that Gertrude holds some responsibility for Ophelia’s downfall, and examining the tightening spiral of the enmeshed relationship that leads them there. As Hamlet plays strange and cruel tricks on her, Ophelia is left to put all her trust in...

Most Seeming Virtuous Queen is an adaptation of Hamlet in verse, focusing on the interactions we don’t get to see in Shakespeare’s text, teasing out the thread of the theory that Gertrude holds some responsibility for Ophelia’s downfall, and examining the tightening spiral of the enmeshed relationship that leads them there. As Hamlet plays strange and cruel tricks on her, Ophelia is left to put all her trust in Gertrude, under whose guidance Ophelia is led to a tragic end, witnessed by no one but Gertrude herself. This just-barely-modernized Early Modern play is the feminist take on Hamlet you’ve always wanted, that cannot help but make a vexation of feminism in its taking.

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Most Seeming Virtuous Queen

Character Information

2 F, 3 M, 1 NB
  • Ophelia
    Character Age
    15
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Gertrude
    Character Age
    40s-50s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Fool
    A descendant of Yorick. How many generations down? Who's to say.
    Character Gender Identity
    Gender non-conforming
  • Polonius
    Character Age
    60s-70s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Laertes
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Hamlet
    Character Age
    18-20s. I have my reasons.
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Shakespeare Online Repertory Theatre, Year 2024