By CGTN's Yu Fengsheng & Luo Chen

"To be, or not to be, that is the question" - this famous soliloquy was spoken without uttering a word through the powerful language of dance as the Shanghai Ballet staged a full-length ballet based on Shakespeare's Hamlet at Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts over the weekend.

“Hamlet” staged by Shanghai Ballet / CFP Picture

Co-produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Ballet last year to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, the thrilling tragedy about conspiracy, revenge and love featured Shanghai Ballet principal dancers Wu Husheng and Qi Bingxue in the main roles.‍

“Hamlet” staged by Shanghai Ballet /  CFP Photo

The production features classical ballet but also contemporary dance, and unique costume designs to express the emotions of different characters. 

The show will also be presented at Tsinghua University in Beijing on Thursday and Friday.