Of course!  The first known woman to play Hamlet was the English actress Charlotte Clarke, who lived from 1713 until 1760. Clarke  became famous for ‘breeches roles’, playing male parts on the stage.  Costumes designed for women who played male roles were called travesty costuming.  Clarke even wore wearing male clothing off-stage and worked in male jobs  

American actress Eva Galliens set her Hamlet productions in the rough and violent Viking Period.

Charlotte Cushman was a 19th century American superstar who played Romeo as well as Hamlet.  Sarah Bernhardt was the first female actor to portray Hamlet on film, but also acted the role on stage.

General questions and further investigation:

• What other Shakespearean male roles have female actors played?
• Who were other female actors who played a Shakespearean male role?
• What struggles did they face as women in a male role?
• Does  seeing a woman play a familiar character change our thinking about the character?
• Does seeing a woman in the role help or hinder our understanding of Hamlet's character?
• African American actor Ira Aldridge faced challenges in the United States but was successful in Europe. He is the only American actor honored at the Stratford Upon Avon Theater in England   Mr. Ira Aldridge as Aaron

Photo: Tarah Flanagan in Hamlet at the Great River Shakespeare Festival 2024. Photo by Dan Norman.

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