[Richard Burton's] Hamlet

N.p. N.p., 1963. Vintage script for the 1964 production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, staged at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway from April 9 through August 8, 1964. Copy belonging to actor Christopher Culkin, who appeared in the play as "Player King," with his manuscript name on the title page, and his manuscript annotations on over 20 pages, marking stage blocking and dialogue.

With sparse set design and a total absence of period costuming, director John Gielgud's ultra-minimal staging of "Hamlet" proved entirely new for New York audiences, and was ultimately wildly successful, achieving the longest run for the play in Broadway history at 137 performances. Actor Richard Burton received a Tony nomination for his performance as the tragic prince, and actor Hume Cronyn won a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play.

A filmed version of the play was created by recording three live performances on the then-new technology of Electronovision and editing them into a single film. Although considered lost for many years, the film was rediscovered and restored in 1995 by producer and director Paul Brownstein.

Actor Christopher "Kit" Culkin appeared in several Broadway productions throughout the early and mid-1960s, but is perhaps best known today for his more famous offspring, Kieran, Rory, and Macaulay.

Brown titled wrappers. Title page present, dated 10-1-63. 124 leaves, with last page of text numbered 3-37. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrappers Very Good, separated along the hinge and now archivally reinforced, bound with two gold screw brads.

[Book #165707]