Leipzig

Yes, Leipzig has a long and fascinating History. Alex sent this nice card from Germany.

Hamlet - Prince of Denmark

It is only last night that I discovered this rare gem of a picture post-card amongst some of my possessions. The card was posted in Copenhagen dated 23^rd July 1963. Just 46 years ago. The card shows the many actors who played the principal roles in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy >>Hamlet<<. It also shows views of the Castle at Kronborg, immortalized by the Danish Prince. Shakespeare’s Memorial Tablet is at Kronborg. A brief history about the performances of this famous play is reproduced from the back of the card itself. 

The Performances of Hamlet

To find the beginning of the best-known play in the world, we must go back to the end of the 12^th Century. At that time lived the Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus, and he tells us the legend of Prince Amleth, son of a king who lived in Jutland. Shakespeare reproduced the fate of the Danish prince, and connected it with the Castle of Kronborg, and thereby secured Hamlet an everlasting fame. Whether Shakespeare was ever at Elsinore is not known. But, we know that some of his friends have visited the town. English instrumentalists often accompanied the embassies exchanged with England and Scotland to entertain royalties. In the winter of 1585-86 the Danish Court was at Kronborg. A troupe of English actors was attached to the court. Another company of English actors arrived in June 1586 and stayed at Elsinore for three months. Among these were two of Shakespeare’s companions, George Bryan and Thomas Pope.

In 1816 the tragedy of >>Hamlet<< was performed in the Kronborg casemates, and in 1837 another troupe of actors performed >>Hamlet<< at Elsinore. In 1916 actors from the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen performed Shakespeare’s tragedy in the sea-batteries. From the year 1937 there have been >>Hamlet<< performances in the courtyard with famous actors from different nations in the principal parts.

(Kindly click on the card to have an enlarged view)

Lake Orta

Ferry sailing on Lake Orta in Northern Italy. In the background can be seen the small Island of San Giulio. Card is from Rossano.

Helsinki

Minna sent this nice card from Helsinki, Finland. It shows the Seafortress off Helsinki.

Tang Dynasty

These sculptures are from the Tang Dynasty. Fong sent this card from Singapore.

Winter Wonderland

Yes Christy, Winter is creeping up on all of us. Slowly and steadily.

Whistler, Canada

This wonderful picture is of Whistler, B.C., Canada. Whistler/Blackcomb is world famous for its spectacular skiing and amazing backdrop setting. It is the main site for the 2010 Winter Olympics that is based in Vancouver. Lori, very thoughtfully sent it to me.