Mandarin version of 'Hamlet' to commence its world tour
Updated 11:51, 07-Nov-2018
By Jiang Qingrui and Song Shen
["china"]
A Chinese Mandarin version of "Hamlet" will kick off its world tour with a premiere at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on November 28.
The play, part of the "Shakespeare Folio Project" by the Royal Shakespeare Company, was translated into Mandarin by Li Jianming and is directed by Li Liuyi.
Actor Hu Jun will play Hamlet, while actor Pu Cunxin will take on the role of Claudius and the ghost of the late king. Lu Fan, Hu Jun's wife, will perform as Gertrude and Ophelia. Hu's daughter will also play a minor character in the production.
Li Liuyi, director of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet," attends the play's press conference in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Li Liuyi, director of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet," attends the play's press conference in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

At a press conference held on November 1, director Li Liuyi said that the translated script tried to strike a balance between poetic and dramatic styles, aiming for a positive critical reception in China. This is the second time Li has cooperated with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
“Over 400 years, countless directors have attempted to realize their artistic pursuits through ‘Hamlet.' It is an exciting and challenging task for me to explore a new path to interpret the play.”
He also stated that he wanted to bring an in-depth understanding of the play to all types of audiences, professionals and amateurs alike. He noted that the translated script and production will pay homage to tradition and touch on modernity. 
Hu Jun (R) and Pu Cunxi (L) attend the press conference of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet" in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Hu Jun (R) and Pu Cunxi (L) attend the press conference of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet" in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

The actor Hu Jun, well-known in China for portraying masculine characters, is cast as the extremely philosophical and contemplative Prince of Denmark.
"'Hamlet' is a benchmark for actors, and each Hamlet version rehearsed and played in every corner of the world has its own spirit to inherit," said Hu Jun. “The play is a treasure of human civilization because it contains essential traits of humanity. All things related to humanity will not be outdated. ”
Pu Cunxin, the renowned theatrical actor in China, played Hamlet in the stage production “Hamlet 1990” directed by Lin Zhaohua. Hun Jun also participated as Guildenstern the courtier in that version.
"The text of Shakespeare should be cherished and appreciated by people around the globe. In a sense, the efforts we made today will keep Shakespeare being remembered in the future," Pu told Nouvelles d'Europe. 
Hu Jun (R), Lu Fan (R), and their daughter (C) attend the press conference of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet" in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Hu Jun (R), Lu Fan (R), and their daughter (C) attend the press conference of the new Mandarin version of "Hamlet" in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Lu Fan, famous for her distinguished performances in dramas like “The Cherry Orchard,” “White Deer Plain,” and “Teahouse,” takes on the great challenge of playing the two roles of Gertrude and Ophelia.
“This is a risky casting decision to make,” said director Li, “but I think it's very worth doing too!”
(Cover: A press conference of the new Mandarin version of “Hamlet” directed by Li Liuyi (L) is held in Beijing, China, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo)