How Stalin Canceled ‘Hamlet’ in the Soviet Union—and What It Can Teach Us about Cancel Culture
Mass fear can result in censorship that is just as stifling and oppressive as government bans, history shows
(L) An undated picture shows Vladimir Ilyich Ulianov (1870–1924), better known as Lenin (L) posing in Gorki, Soviet Union, with Iossif Vissarionovitch Dzhugashvili (1879–1953) better known as Joseph Stalin, who became secretary-general of the Soviet communist party in 1922. (-AFP via Getty Images). (R) Portrait of British actor John Gielgud (1904–2000) posing in costume for his lead role in "Hamlet." Hulton Archive/Getty Images
William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” is considered by some to be the single greatest story ever written.
“Hamlet” has it all: ghosts, sword fights, suicide, revenge, lust, murder, philosophy, faith, manipulation, and a climactic bloodbath worthy of a Tarantino film. It’s a masterpiece of both high art and sensationalism, the only play I’ve seen performed live three times.
Jonathan Miltimore
Author
Jon Miltimore is senior editor at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) and former managing editor of FEE.org. His writing/reporting has been the subject of articles in TIME magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Washington Examiner, and the Star Tribune.
