Chloe Zhao reveals how the cast and crew of 'Hamnet' dealt with emotions on set

The Oscar winning director says that they'd do 'Dance Takes' on set of Hamnet

Director Chloe Zhao has shared an intimate look at how the cast and crew of Hamnet managed the intense emotions that arose while making the film. Posting on Instagram, Zhao described a unique practice called “Dance Takes,” which the team used to release and transform their feelings.

“After traveling with Hamnet for months, meeting so many of you in person and watching online audience reactions from around the world, our hearts are FULL,” Zhao wrote. “We made the film for you, so we thank you for keeping your hearts open and for feeling so deeply.”

Zhao explained that the emotional weight of filming was managed through movement, breathing, sound, and dance. “Some of you have asked me what to do with all the emotions and how my cast and crew release them on set and the answer is: Dance Takes! ✨” she said.

“We believe emotion is energy in motion. So to discharge, we move, we breathe, we make sound and we dance, so we are never too scared to feel our rawest emotions and we don’t store them in our bodies.”

 

 

 

 

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The director shared a video from the final Dance Take on the last day of filming at the Globe Theatre, calling it a moment of “shared catharsis” where the team transformed what they had been holding into joy. She encouraged fans to join in the experience, no matter where they are. “If it moves you, join us! Dance with us. Share your version with us. However it looks, wherever you are. We can hold together, in community, what is too hard to hold on our own,” Zhao wrote.

Zhao concluded by reflecting on the power of Shakespeare’s work to unite people. “This is why Shakespeare wrote his plays and why he brought people together in the Globe. We hope we made him proud!”

Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel, tells the story of Shakespeare’s son and explores grief, love, and family. Zhao’s approach to harnessing emotion on set highlights her commitment to authenticity and collaboration, creating a creative environment where actors and crew could process the story’s intense themes together.