HBO tells a short ‘Animated Tale’ of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’

Tales of revenge may not be the stuff of which children’s television is usually made, but when the story originates from the pen of William Shakespeare, it can make for classic, comprehensible and enjoyable entertainment. HBO’s Shakespeare: The Animated Tales presents an abbreviated version of “Hamlet.”

The tragic story weaves the story of the moody Prince of Denmark. Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost who tells his son that he was murdered by his own brother, Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, who just happens to be the new king and new husband of Hamlet’s mother.

Hamlet delivers his famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy as he struggles to decide how or whether to enact his revenge. He opts to conceal his terrible secret in a cloak of madness. Lurking in the castle, muttering to himself, his strange behavior baffles his mother and uncle and terrifies young Ophelia (daughter of the king’s council Polonius), to whom Hamlet once made romantic overtures.

When actors arrive in the kingdom, Hamlet sees an opportunity to stage a play that mirrors the events of Claudius’ crime. Once performed, the play convinces the prince beyond a doubt of his uncle’s guilt, and sets in motion a chain of tragic events that lead to “Hamlet’s” bloody climax.

Shakespeare: The Animated Tales “Hamlet” premieres Tuesday 6-6:30 p.m. HBO. For ages 8 and up.

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