As a globally shared cultural symbol, the situation of Hamlet transcends time and region, directly hitting everyone’s existence and leaving endless topics and boundless imagination. Xu Jun’s original musical ‘Hamlet’ is based on Shakespeare’s world-renowned classic drama of the same name. With the prism of contemporary drama and integrating cross-cultural perspectives from the East and the West, it anchors the mirror question of ‘to be or not to be’ and focuses on the connotation of ‘thought and poetry’. Created by the creative team of the original musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao Family’, led by Zheng Qiyuan and a super-strong cast of musical actors who spare no effort to release a unique modern tension and explore the infinite beauty, boundless thought, and eternal poetry. The King of Denmark suddenly passes away. His younger brother Claudius is crowned as the new king and marries his sister-in-law Gertrude. Successive incidents are shrouded in mystery, and Prince Hamlet of Denmark is deeply worried. The spirit of his father reappears, reveals the conspiracy to Hamlet and entrusts him with revenge. Hamlet thinks and turns over in his mind, pretending to be insane. He confirms the words of the spirit through a ‘play within a play’. The uncle and nephew engage in a game between light and darkness. Hamlet accidentally kills the father of his lover Ophelia. Claudius turns the situation to his advantage and sends Hamlet on a trip to England. After experiencing hardships at sea, Hamlet returns safely to the country only to learn that Ophelia has gone insane and died. Overwhelmed with grief, he calmly accepts a duel with Ophelia’s brother Laertes and steps into the deadly trap set by Claudius and Laertes. Since its premiere in Shanghai in May 2023, the musical ‘Hamlet’ has received rave reviews and booming box office sales, becoming a highly popular show of the year. It has been praised by mainstream media and experts as ‘singing one’s own soul, not others’ songs’, ‘exploring the dawn of the oriental beauty of Chinese musicals’, and ‘a successful example of the Chinese expression of musicals’. Audience members have highly praised it as ‘establishing an aesthetic highland for Chinese musicals’. The year-round tour of 45 shows in 21 cities will continue to unfold with waves. ‘Even if wounded by the sharpness of the world, one must bravely face the truth of existence.’ The original musical ‘Hamlet’, with its serious and profound theme, romantic and surging poetry, solemn and majestic momentum, deep layers, and timeless meaning, embarks on an exciting voyage in the field of musicals. The show won the ‘Special Outstanding Show Award’ at the 2023 Shanghai Excellent Private Troupes Exhibition. The main visual won the ‘Silver Award’ in the drama/film main visual unit of the 2023 Clio Awards and is the only Asian work to win this award this year. Opening hours are from November 22 to November 24, subject to on-site conditions.
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