In the list of ways to deal with the many political problems of the world, reading an old Shakespeare play full of ghosts, murder, and crazy uncles may be near the end of that list. Furthermore, the main critique of Shakespeare plays from current audiences is how they feel unrelated to our current day. With old, seemingly outdated language, as well as the different historical settings of that era, Shakespeare's plays seem to have nothing to say about our current day issues such as the slow dismantling of democratic institutions and political corruption. 

 
Yet, the themes of Hamlet seem to connect with the political themes of our time. For example, at a time of historical dwindling approval ratings for people in power, the play comments on such mistrust in power through the figure of Claudius and his shady rise to power. In addition, the support for Claudius amongst those in the palace of Elsinore emerges almost like a cult of personality that follows populist, often authoritarian leaders. The anxious feeling amongst Gen Z about our politics relates to Hamlet’s ambivalence towards the state of the world and his belief that “the time is out of joint.” 
 
For contemporary audiences to further understand how Hamlet connects to our modern-day, directors must tackle the play with staging choices that make that connection evident. For example, having Claudius wear an overly large red tie can remind the audience of Trump and the rise of a cult of personality. 

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