Could Robert Armin Have Played Hamlet?

The question of whether Robert Armin could have played the role of Hamlet has long intrigued scholars and theater enthusiasts. This article explores the historical context of the time and the roles that Armin typically played, ultimately shedding light on the likelihood of such a scenario.

Robert Armin: The Actor

Robert Armin, the leading comic actor of his time, was a significant figure in the Elizabethan theater. He joined the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company directed by Shakespeare, in 1596. Armin's role was to perform in a variety of plays, and his performances were renowned for their wit and humor. Nonetheless, he had a limited range of roles he typically portrayed.

Common Roles and Implications

Most notably, Armin specialized in fool characters and comedic roles. This focus on fooling was not accidental; Armin excelled in this type of performance and enjoyed it immensely. Some have even hypothesized that he might have played Iago in Othello based on the similarity of Iago's singing and Armin's fondness for fooling roles. However, the evidence for this is inconclusive, as no specific mention of Armin playing Iago in the contemporaneous records exists.

Iago and Fooling Roles

The idea that Armin might have played Iago is intriguing but lacks concrete support. Iago, like a fool, is a character known for his sharp tongue and clever manipulation. The similarity is perhaps more apparent in performance style than in the written text. However, the role of Iago did not require the same type of clownish demeanor that Armin specialized in, which raises further doubts about his suitability for the part.

Hamlet: The Central Protagonist

The primary role of Hamlet in the play of the same name calls for a different type of actor. Unlike Armin's fool characters, Hamlet is a tragic hero, someone whose complex inner world and existential dilemmas require a profound understanding of human nature and sophisticated acting skills. It is precisely these qualities that prompted Richard Burbage, Armin's colleague and direct competitor, to take on the role of Hamlet.

Royal Patronage and Richard Burbage

Burbage, not only an actor but also a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, is credited with creating the role of Hamlet. His decision to play such a demanding role indicates that he had the temperament and dramatic range to handle the complexities of the character. Burbage's Hamlet was celebrated for his acting prowess and emotional depth, qualities that Armin's preferred type of performance lacked.

Role of the Gravedigger in Hamlet

There is a possibility that if Armin did appear alongside Burbage in a performance of Hamlet, he might have taken on the role of the gravedigger. The gravedigger's scenes in the play require a mix of humor and serious undertones, which aligns more closely with Armin's comedic talent. The gravedigger's wit and wordplay would have provided a refreshing contrast to the somber and introspective moments in the play.

Conclusion

While Robert Armin was a talented and versatile actor, his specialization in fool and clowns characters makes it unlikely that he would have been cast as the tragic Hamlet. The creation of the role of Hamlet by Richard Burbage exemplifies the complex nature of acting in the Elizabethan era. However, the role of the gravedigger remains a plausible alternative for Armin, given his comedic style and the need for a character who can blend humor and gravity in the play.

Further Reading

For further insights into the roles played by Armin and Burbage, as well as the intricacies of Elizabethan theater, consider reading The Players by Charles and Mary Plummer and Hamlet by William Shakespeare.