Whose Castle is it Anyway?: Local/Global Negotiations of a Shakespearean Location

Kronborg Castle, associated with Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' faces a cultural identity crisis where its fictional reputation overshadows its historical significance. Marketed as 'Hamlet’s Castle' and Elsinore as the 'Home of Hamlet,' the castle's global recognition is driven more by Shakespearean tourism than Danish heritage. This study reveals how Kronborg's identity has been reshaped over two centuries through international Shakespearean performances, reflecting evolving ideologies. It also questions how this identity may adapt amid rising nationalism in Europe and worldwide. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing naming conventions, performance traditions, and ideological shifts to explore the tension between local heritage and global cultural narratives.

Refskou, A. S. (2017). Whose Castle is it Anyway?: Local/Global Negotiations of a Shakespearean Location. Multicultural Shakespeare: Translation, Appropriation and Performance, 15(30), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1515/mstap-2017-0009