"Hamlet" in Grand Theft Auto Online: a creative breakthrough in times of pandemic

What do you usually do when you have a lot of free time? Do you read books, engage in self-development or just play games? But two British actors decided to use this time to create something unique - they staged the play Hamlet in the world of Grand Theft Auto Online.

This unusual story took place in 2021, when the coronavirus pandemic continued to paralyse the world, and most countries were in quarantine. Public events were cancelled, and going to the theatre or cinema remained an unattainable luxury. In this difficult period, actors Sam Crane and Pinky Grylls, who were unemployed, decided to express their creativity in an extraordinary way.

Virtual theatre in the underworld

The result of their work was the documentary Grand Theft Hamlet. In this film, the actors organise auditions right in the game, provoke the police and gangs to take aggressive actions, and quote the famous tragedy by William Shakespeare. All the events take place against the backdrop of the chaotic and criminal world of GTA Online, which adds a great contrast to the production.

Critical acclaim

Such a non-standard approach to creativity did not go unnoticed. Grand Theft Hamlet has received favourable reviews from critics and has already received several nominations at prestigious film festivals, including Vision du Reel, SXSW, IDFA, BIFA BFI London, etc.

This project proves that creativity has no boundaries and that even during the quarantine, you can find a way to stay inspired and share your art with the world.