Hamlet: Prop design

Prop Design: Contextual Significance

Yorick’s skull is a notable prop, offering both comic relief and serious reflection on mortality. It embodies the theme of death, a constant presence in the play. It also enables Hamlet’s contemplation of death, and human existence.
The poisoned sword and goblet reflect the deceit and treachery in the Danish court, further emphasising the political corruption. They act as means to the tragic end, killing both protagonists and antagonists.

The mirror held by Polonius while instructing Reynaldo on how to spy on Laertes, symbolises self-reflection and honesty, ironically underscoring Polonius’ hypocrisy.
Hamlet’s player-king’s crown, used in the play within the play, serves as a metaphorical reference to the usurped throne, reflecting the theme of regality and power.

Letter props can provide opportunities for actors to exhibit more agency and characterisation. The inscribed messages are unseen by the audience, leaving room for the variation in actor’s interpretation.
There is potential to design the ghost of Hamlet’s father as a prop or a character - an interesting dimension to consider from a directorial perspective.

The presence of tangible props can aid the audience’s understanding of the story, theme and the character dynamics. They contribute to the vividness and authenticity of the historical setting.
Exploring unconventional means, such as using a glove to symbolise Ophelia or handkerchief to symbolise Gertrude, can provide a fresh interpretation, scrutinising Hamlet’s perception of these characters.

Assumptions about props in the play can contribute to exploration of themes such as illusion versus reality. In the mousetrap scene, theatre props are used to expose a hidden truth.
Props such as Ophelia’s flowers can embed symbolic meanings extending their relevance beyond physical presence, contributing to the play’s layered narrative. For example, each flower can represent a character she interacts with, providing greater depth to her characterisation.