Salon Q
Introducing Hamlet and the HoloScene -
The HoloScene is an Immersive Portal for Existential Reflection growing from the ground of HamletScenen — the resident theatre at Kronborg Castle and custodian of one of the world's oldest continuous Hamlet traditions.
The concept draws on futurist and WIRED co-founder Kevin Kelly's interpretation of the Greek word HOLOS: the idea that humanity, nature and technology are converging into one interconnected, planetary whole.
From 2–4 October, Salon Q invited young people, leaders and cultural creatives to get an introduction to the HoloScene and take part in three individual workshops facilitated by the internationally renowned Mythodrama practitioner Richard Olivier.
In 1937, the legendary actor Laurence Olivier performed Hamlet at the castle. Now, almost 90 years later, his son Richard returns to the same historical setting to explore the continuing relevance of Hamlet in a radically changing world.
The programme was divided into three sections:
Friday 2 October — Finding Purpose in a Fractured World (young people)
Saturday 3 October — Leading at the Edge of Chaos (leaders)
Sunday 4 October — Leading a Life with Soul (cultural creatives)
Together, the three days invited the participants to reflect on who they are, how they choose to act, and what kind of future they want to help shape.
On the afternoon of day three, participants from all three workshops came together for a joint event, open to the public.
For more information about the programme, see below...
Three days. Three different audiences. Three journeys into the questions that shape our lives.
Through the experiential practice of Mythodrama, we were invited to step inside Hamlet’s world — not simply as spectators, but as participants.
Each journey offered a different point of entry: how we lead in times of uncertainty, how we discover purpose and direction, and how we live a life aligned with who we truly are.
The sessions could be experienced individually — or together as one unfolding journey.
In this video Richard Olivier talks to us about his childhood and what the Olivier Awards legacy means to the family.
Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Europe’s most iconic Renaissance castles. Built by King Frederik II in the late 16th century at the gateway to the Baltic Sea, it became a powerful symbol of Denmark’s influence during the Renaissance — an era of exploration, discovery and renewal. Immortalised as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Kronborg has been associated with the play for centuries and is home to a unique Shakespearean performance tradition dating back to 1816. Today, the castle offers a remarkable setting in which history can meet the future — and where the spirit of the Renaissance can inspire new perspectives on our own time of profound transformation.
Programme overview
Over three days, Richard Olivier lead three connected Mythodrama workshops, each addressing a different audience and building toward a shared closing event open to the public.
HOLOS — an AI voice giving presence to the HoloScene — joined the conversation offering feed back to the participants.
The Venue
The workshops took place in the Black Box theatre at HamletScenen, nestled within the historic barracks town at Kronborg Castle — a raw, flexible space where theatre, imagination and exploration come together, surrounded by the atmosphere and history of one of Denmark's most iconic cultural landmarks.
Friday 2 October (9.00 - 17.00)
Finding Purpose in a Fractured World
(For young people)
An interactive journey through Hamlet’s questions of identity, calling and purpose — exploring how to navigate uncertainty, find courage and become the author of your own story.
Saturday 3 October (9-17.00)
Leading at the Edge of Chaos
(For leaders)
Opening keynote by Jude Currivan followed by a full-day experiential Mythodrama workshop exploring leadership, responsibility and decision-making in times of uncertainty and profound change.
An networking dinner followed at Elsinore Streetfood - Ny Kronborgvej 2.
Sunday 4 October (9-18.00)
Leading a Life with Soul
(For cultural creatives and anyone interested in personal development)
A reflective exploration of soul, destiny and authentic living through Hamlet — inviting us to listen more deeply to who we are and what we are called to become.
In the afternoon, participants from all three days and the public came together for an introduction to the HoloScene, a panel discussion with Richard Olivier and Jude Currivan, and a closing Gathering where reflections from all three journeys were shared live.
Graphic facilitator Kara Stonehouse created a single illustration across all three days, which she completed live during the Gathering, and the voice of HOLOS delivered a final reflection.
A closing dinner follows at Elsinore Streetfood - Ny Kronborgvej 2.