Elli Tompuri's Female Hamlet, 1913

This article analyses the first female Hamlet in the Nordic countries, Elli Tompuri (1880-1962). Early in her career Tompuri made a name for herself at the Finnish National Theatre, but later, in part due to her radical politics, was unable to find permanent employment at any established theatre so she began touring with her own company, putting on Hamlet in 1913. The article traces Tompuri's inspirations and thoughts about the play, before analysing the major themes raised in the reviews. On one hand, reviewers noted with some pride the national significance of the first female Hamlet. On the other hand, Tompuri's status as a New Woman, an actor-director-manager making her own way, generated a wide range of opinions, from outrage that a woman would attempt the part to admiration of Tompuri's genius and intelligence, often within a single review.

Automated summary

This article analyzes Elli Tompuri, the first female Hamlet in the Nordic countries, focusing on her career, her radical politics, and her own tour company. It explores Tompuri's inspirations and thoughts about the play and examines the major themes raised in reviews. The article highlights the national significance of Tompuri's portrayal of Hamlet and the diverse opinions about her status as a New Woman, ranging from outrage to admiration within a single review.