Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' recreated in Chinese

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The curtain rises. The show is on.

Submerged in dim light and a mysterious atmosphere, the drama was presented on a tilted rotating wooden platform with a ticking clock sound in the background.

Over 400 years after its debut, the magic of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" was recreated in Chinese by Beijing's Li Liuyi Theatre Studio at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on November 28.

Chinese performers Lu Fang (1st L), Pu Cunxin (C), and Hu Jun (R, front) rehearse on stage at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing, November 27, 2018. /CGTN Photo

The famous tale of vengeance and loyalty was directed by Chinese director Li Liuyi and featured theater stars like Hu Jun (as Hamlet), Pu Cunxin( as Ghost and Claudius), Lu Fang (as Gertrude and Ophelia), and most surprisingly, Hu Jun and Lu Fang's daughter, Hu Yuejia.

This was the Li Liuyi Theater Studio's second cooperation with the Shakespeare Folio Translation Project. The first was in 2017 for "King Lear."

It's all because of Shakespeare.

- Li Liuyi

When Li was asked why he recreated such a classic play, he said, "It's all because of Shakespeare."

The preparations for the play had been underway since 2017. Some crew members even visited the UK this year to gain a better understanding of the text, and also gain an insight into Shakespeare's inner world when wrote the play.

Director Li Liuyi at a news conference in Beijing, November 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

The play adopted the translation by Li Jianming, which is easier to understand for the audience in modern times. Even though the play's timeless themes on human nature have lasted for centuries, Li also tried to present a view of modern lives.

"Hamlet could be a modern and futuristic piece as well. It conveys worries of the future world, future life, and people in the future. It reminds us about the problems we must face and solve," said Li.

It's harder than any other roles that I have ever played.

- Hu Jun

The mesmerizing set was designed by German set designer Michael Simon, and creative lighting was done under the supervision of director Li and light designer Deng Wen.

The wheel-like stage tilts from one side to another in accordance with the ups and downs of the storyline.

The lighting, although faint, provided subtle but impressive variations to match up the emotions.

A ball made of twisting silver twigs in the center stage gave a special feeling.

In the center of the stage, there is a wheel-like installation as a ball made of silver twigs hangs above it. /CGTN Photo

Live music was performed by Singer Hu Yuejia, and Jinghu Musician, Lin Chen Xie Hang. The clear voice of the 17-year-old girl intertwined with the mysterious and remote sound of Jinghu, creating a soul-touching experience.

"It's full of challenges. There is no pivot point on the stage, we are the pivots," Hu Jun said, "And I needed to understand his (Hamlet's) thinking, his times, and even his beliefs. All that was difficult for me."

"To act in a Shakespeare drama is not easy for every stage performer."

The theater means more than just performance. It is where I live.

- Pu Cunxin

For the cast, the play meant more than just acting. Under the guidance of director Li, they tried to explore the depths of human nature and bring out the whole range with an artistic presentation. Each of them has a unique understanding of the characters.

"People say Hamlet is a great man in thought, but a dwarf in action. In this play we invert all of those explanations," Hu Jun noted. "Actually for me, I think he has actions throughout the play, but they're actions with deliberation and caution. So there're (factors like) Hamlet's faith in it."

Director Li Liuyi guiding the cast after a rehearsal session, November 27, 2018. /CGTN Photo‍

"In fact, no matter for Hamlet or the King, the character is incomplete without compunction and compassion. If so, they won't get into the gate of civilization," said Pu Cunxin. "After all Shakespeare is the one below god, who is too high to reach."

"This time the most touching part for me is the monologue of confession by the king. I was in because of the monologue."

"Hamlet" will be performed at the NCPA eight times from November 28 to December 5, followed by its first-round tour of Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong until April next year. It will also be presented in Singapore in February.

The play will participate in two art festivals: The Huayi-Chinese Festival of Arts in February and the Hong Kong Arts Festival in March. Both are influential art festivals in Asia. After the first-round tour, the team plans to tour more cities around the world.

Schedule of the first-round tour of "Hamlet." /VCG Photo, infographic designed by Jia Jieqiong

Director: Jiang Qingrui

Video Editor: Zhou Jinxi

Videographer: Zhou Jinxi

Animation and Special Effects: Zhou Jinxi

Designer: Jia Jieqiong

Article Written by: Jiang Qingrui

Copy Editor: Khushboo Razdan, Josh McNally

Chief Editor: Wang Dewei, Lin Dongwei