Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

Historical Context and Significance

«Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead» is a play by Tom Stoppard, first staged in 1966. It is an absurdist tragicomedy that reinterprets the events of William Shakespeare's «Hamlet» from the viewpoint of two minor characters—Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The play explores themes of existentialism, chance, and predestination, questioning traditional notions of fate and free will. Its impact on culture is significant, as it became a vital part of the 20th-century theatrical avant-garde, inspiring subsequent generations of playwrights and directors. The play is also acclaimed for its intellectual depth and wit, making it a cult classic in literature and theater.