Chinese production of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' set for stage in August

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A Chinese production of William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" will be staged at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) from August 9 to 15.

The play will be directed by Tim Supple, a British drama and film director, and star veteran theatrical actor Pu Cunxin.

"The Tempest", which was completed in 1611, is a collection of works by Shakespeare in the later period, which fully reflects his vision of the future world of mankind.

British drama and film director Tim Supple during the rehearsal of "The Tempest". /VCG Photo

After "The Tempest", Shakespeare died of a sudden illness in 1616, and the play became the last work to be completed independently in his lifetime.

"This play will lead the audiences into Shakespeare's spiritual world and convey the essence and charm of Shakespeare's original flavor," Zhao Tiechun, vice president of the NCPA, said at the conference.

The five-act play will be NCPA's fourth production of Shakespeare's masterpiece, following "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Hamlet" and "King Lear."

The production uses a new edition from the Royal Shakespeare Company translation project, which explores a new direction for Shakespearean translations, making them more suitable for dramatic presentation, easing the reading for actors and helping the audience to better understand the plays, according to an NCPA statement.

The NCPA has also invited renowned British drama and film director Tim Supple to direct the play.

"'The Tempest' is an old drama but it's always full of surprises. It talks about 'who we are,' and allows us to feel the meaning of reality, life, and even death," said Supple.

Pu Cunxin during a rehearsal. /VCG Photo

"We have to show a new experience and create an unforgettable experience to the audiences," Supple added.

"Shakespeare's works are polysemous and abundant, and we hope to find a harmonious present way in the rehearsal," said Pu Cunxin, chairman of China Theatre Association, who also stars as Prospero in the play.

"This play has a professional organization from the planning to the production departments, which also indicates that the drama will be one of the most anticipated plays of the year," Pu indicated.

"The Tempest" will be shown at the National Centre for Performing Arts from August 9 to 15.

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)