Wie hängen sie zusammen

Not only film adaptations of literature, but literary works themselves are often adaptations – retellings of pre-existing material. For instance, Heinrich von Kleist's "Michael Kohlhaas" is based on the historical figure Hans Kohlhase. Similarly, Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is derived from a Nordic saga. From the late 18th century onwards, Hamlet was increasingly interpreted and performed as a female character. Asta Nielsen continued this tradition in her film adaptation.