It's easy to assume that Hamlet has always enjoyed global popularity, but only within the last century and a half has Shakespeare's great tragedy achieved iconic status. Why does it resonate so deeply with modern audiences? This video helps viewers contemplate that subject, recording students from top London drama schools as they work on Hamlet's most famous passage-Act III, Scene 1, in which the Danish prince must decide whether to be or not to be. Rehearsals and a finalized performance are followed by intense discussion among the young actors.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 03, 2011. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Shakespeare's Globe, London: Introduction to Shakespeare (1:00) -- Audience Fascination with "Hamlet" (2:28) -- "Hamlet": Rehearsal, Act III, Scene 1 (0:57) -- "Hamlet": Performance, Act III, Scene 1 (7:05) -- Discussion of "Hamlet" (2:29) -- Credits: "Hamlet": Young Actors in Training (0:57).