#SAVEHamletScenen !
We, the members of the European Shakespeare Festivals Network were distressed to hear that you have plans to remove all support from our colleagues at HamletScenen, which will force them to cease their artistic activity.
HamletScenen is a valuable and important arts organization with a heritage that stretches back to the first Elsinore Shakespeare Festival in 1816 – the longest continuous Hamlet tradition in the world, as we are certain you are aware, and we urge you to reconsider your decision.
Many of us in the network have been fortunate to collaborate with HamletScenen, both in their productions, and in community engagement projects. As well, an exhibition celebrating the unrivalled Hamlet tradition of Kronborg Castle has visited festivals across the network.
HamletScenen is so much more than an annual festival. Working year round, they produce new work, and run a talent and training school committed to creating opportunity for young people from the community.
To host an international Festival, celebrating Europe’s greatest playwright, firmly establishes a nation at the heart of our shared European cultural identity. This writer, who speaks to us all about the issues of life that are so relevant today and every day to us all, becomes the key to shared cultural and social dialogue across Europe and the wider world.
For Helsingor to have such a festival, led by the excellent work of HamletScenen is a valuable cultural asset for the city. While we understand that there are always difficult choices to be made, we would encourage you to maintain HamletScenen as a part of the cultural fabric of the city – one which brings you international attention.
Yours sincerely
Philip Parr FRSA
Director York International Shakespeare Festival
Chair
European Shakespeare Festivals Network
Joanna Sniezko Misterek
Gdansk Shakespeare Festival
Executive Director
European Shakespeare Festivals Network
